University of Liverpool Men’s 1st Win 2-1 against Manchester Metropolitan Uni and squeeze through to the next round of the Men’s Northern Conference Cup.

 10/11/2021, Platt Lane Sports Complex:

The UOLFC squad travelled to Manchester to take on Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) for their first game in the Men’s Northern Conference Cup.

UOLFC came away with a 2-1 victory after a laborious game in some parts against a well organized and hardworking MMU team.

Goals by James Harper and Louis Jarvis secured the win for UOLFC.

 

First half:

Both teams started the game with equal intensity and similar intentions on the ball. UOLFC and MMU were looking to play out from the back as well as sprinkling in a few long balls in the channels.

MMU created the first dangerous chance after a low corner kick went through UOLFC’s entire box untouched, the cross would’ve only required a light touch to go in, but the MMU players weren’t able to get a touch on it.

The only goal in the first half came through James Harper in the 13^th minute when he received the ball following a clearance by Dan Heald. James took a good touch to get onto his strong foot and fired an accurate shot to put the ball in the back of the net.

UOLFC had long spells of possession throughout the game, but it was mostly sterile throughout the 1^st half.

MMU had a tall team and used it to their advantage to create danger in set pieces. MMU nearly scored from a free kick in the 16^th minute when one of their players headed the ball slightly over the bar. MMU had another good chance on goal coming from an aerial challenge in the 23^rd minute after their striker headed a cross in towards goal, the header lacked power and keeper Jack Edwards comfortably saved it.

Aside from one good shot on target in the 42^nd minute by number 7, MMU did not create any more dangerous attacking situations in the first half, nevertheless they were comfortable with the ball and well organized which gave them the confidence required to turn things around.

UOLFC came close to doubling their lead in the final minute of the first half after James harper fed Toby Cogswell with a good through ball, Toby saw his close-range effort deflected by a MMU defender who had sprinted back to block the shot with a good tackle.

 

Second half:

After a laborious first half, UOLFC looked better in the second half with improved fluidity, movement, and communication.

UOLFC should’ve scored when Theo Hayford started a great play in midfield by dribbling his way into space to pass to Toby Cogswell on the left. Joe Ctori overlapped on the left and Toby fed the ball through to him. Joe put in a great cross for James Harper and Louis Jarvis to tap it in, but the MMU keeper somehow managed to miraculously get on the trajectory of the cross to catch it.

MMU scored their equalizer in the 54^th minute after a double attempt on goal, keeper Jack Edwards parried the first shot, but the ball rebounded on the MMU winger who made sure he scored on the second attempt.

Louis Jarvis bagged the winner for UOLFC in the 68^th minute after a good cross from right-back Luca Katchburian.

Louis Jarvis who was today’s MOTM had an excellent second half. He was constantly looking for the ball in behind the defence and tormented MMU’s right back with a mixture of dangerous runs and dribbling. Louis found himself one on one with the MMU keeper twice after his goal but couldn’t get the third goal for UOLFC, the first duel was saved by the MMU keeper in the 83^rd minute and for the second duel in the 89^th minute, Jarvis hit it a little over the bar with his weaker left foot.

In the final 5/10 minutes of the game, MMU pushed for the goal and committed men forward leaving their backline to just two defenders.

UOLFC held on tight and coach Jack Edwards subbed on an extra defender at the back (Alex Blair) on for a striker (James Harper) to secure the win and get through to the next round of the cup.

The game ended 2-1 to University of Liverpool Men’s 1^st.

 Post Match interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0g4rR_beXo&ab_channel=FinnMcginley1

 

Overall, it was a close game between two well organized teams. UOLFC struggled to find fluidity in the first half, but they grew into the game and managed their lead well in the second half.

UOLFC are through to the next round of the cup. With only four more wins/games needed to win the cup, coach Jack Edwards will be hoping to reach the final and to win the trophy.

UOLFC are back in action next week at home against Chester in the league.

 

Finn McGinley