Wednesday 30th October 2024
Game Week 4 saw the 1s back on home (artificial) turf, following their derby day win away at Newcastle. Having won both of the first two games - and playing a team who have had a taste of all three results - this was a fantastic opportunity to make it three on the bounce.
The 2s and 3s both travelled to Sheffield and, with both teams eyeing up promotion, these were games that must be targeted as wins.
***
Durham (1s) 5 - 1 Leeds (H): 15:00
Written by Ossie O'Neill
There was a buzz around the whole club this week, with murmurs of a potential 9-point Wednesday across the three teams. The importance of the 1’s game can not be understated as they looked to solidify their place at top of the table.
Durham faced Leeds at the impenetrable fortress more commonly known as Maiden Castle. Upon arrival at the ground, spirits were instantly high when we were warmly embraced with much needed brand-new socks which thankfully now actually matched with the purple Durham strip.
This high spirit train kept moving forward as we entered the changing room and became ecstatic to find out Sam had been relieved of music duties. As the kickoff got closer and tensions rose, captain Fin Gwillim gave some words of encouragement to help the boys really get up for today.
Over the first 2 BUCS games Durham had struggled to capitalise on their early possession. However, today was very different and, just a few minutes into the game, a delicate, pinpoint 10-yard pass from Seb Hopkins saw ‘Mr Inevitable’ Fin Gwillim poke one home with his right foot into the bottom right corner.
This was just the start we needed… Unfortunately, what followed was a shaky 5 minutes as Durham stopped playing football and sat too deep, allowing Leeds to get a foothold in the game.
This short spell was soon put to a halt by none other than Fin Gwillim who rattled the Leeds net with a penalty fizzed into the bottom left corner. This cushion was just what we needed, and it allowed the boys to relax and start playing their football again.
This goal was quickly followed up by a powerful curling through ball from Rory Edwards which fell for Gwill who got his hat-trick inside 20 minutes with a right footed strike from tight angle which rattled the left post and in leaving the Leeds players with heads in hands.
I must say, in the training session prior to the game, I saw Gwill spending more time collecting balls he had hit over the bar than actually taking shots; so whatever pre-game routine he performed today, long may it continue! That being said Durham were in a great place, and it was a comfortable end to the first half going in at 3-0.
Half-Time: Durham (1s) 3 - 0 Leeds
As the second half began, the main message echoed was Durham must not take their foot of the gas, but Leeds started fast and a simple, yet effective, build up found their substitute striker grabbing a goal early into the second half.
Luckily for Durham, the dressing room message was well received by Phil Kay. Throughout the game Phil was fired up and look eager to get involved and I think everyone in the fortress could sense something brewing. However, I don’t think anyone expected what was about to happen...
What looked like a nothing chance as the Leeds CB head the ball out to Phil on the edge of this box, turned into a goal of the season contender; he cushioned the ball on his knee and fired a volley right into the top right corner, in a manner I can only describe as a 2014 James Rodriguez-esque finish.
Zach Alfalahi then added a misery compiling goal, as he found his name on the scoresheet after he followed-up another Phil Kay effort.
The game ended 5-1 and this was not only another 3 points but also a big statement sent out to league.
POTM goes to Fin Gwillim for his emphatic finishing and hard work both on and off the ball, earning him a first half hat-trick; a true captain’s performance. I want to add a huge honourable mention to Ellis Challinor who truly defined the phrase ‘playing for the badge’, losing no battles on the day and playing countless sumptuous balls in behind for the forwards to chase.
Full-Time: Durham (1s) 5 - 1 Leeds
Player of the Match: Fin Gwillim
Line-Up: Harry Archer; Morgan Lant; Ollie England; Jonah Blake; Ellis Challinor; George Pitsillides; Rory Edwards; Fin Gwillim; Zach Alfalahi; Phil Kay
Substitutes: Patrick Dixon; Alex Dinan; Chris Wild; Fred Walton; Ossie O'Neill
***
Sheffield 1 - 2 Durham (2s) (A): 14:00
Written by Ryan Cook
The third BUCS fixture saw the lads traveling to Sheffield, bringing high energy and a strong lineup against a determined home side. Among the notable appearances were newcomers Sam Benoist and Charlie Bramwell, both making their debuts, along with the anticipated return of Finn Moore, adding depth to the squad.
From the first whistle, Durham quickly took control of the game, showcasing neat passing patterns and maintaining possession while Sheffield struggled to find their footing. Despite Durham's early dominance, they were unable to convert their chances in the first half.
Numerous attempts to break the deadlock were thwarted by a lack of quality in the final third, leaving the score level at halftime and both teams looking for a breakthrough.
Half-Time: Sheffield 0 - 0 Durham (2s)
As the second half began, Sheffield emerged with a renewed sense of urgency, potentially spurred on by encouraging words from their manager during the break. However, Durham continued to hold the ball well, skilfully evading Sheffield’s high press and maintaining their composure, none more so than Bramwell. As player-manager, Oli Williams started to make substitutions, which increased the tempo of the game noticeably , leading to a thrilling period of end-to-end action.
Shortly into the second half, Ben Crew began to see more of the ball at his feet, allowing him to take on his defender. His efforts paid off when he successfully beat the defender and curled a beautiful shot into the top left corner of the net, finally breaking the deadlock and putting Durham ahead 1-0.
Sheffield, now trailing, responded with urgency, pressing hard in search of an equaliser. However, their hopes were dashed when Oscar Shculler seized an opportunity, finding himself one-on-one with the Sheffield keeper. In a composed manner, he chipped the ball over the keeper, doubling Durham’s lead to 2-0 and putting them in a comanding position.
In an effort to mount a comeback, Sheffield changed their approach by introducing two big strikers, focusing on long balls to penetrate Durham’s defence. Despite this shift, Durham remained resolute, with Max Nissim and Williams engaged in a constant aerial battle.
Eventually, Sheffield managed to get a shot off that struck the post and ricocheted off Marko Porozovs's head, a frustrating goal to concede after a solid defensive display. This unfortunate turn of events brought the score to 2-1, lifting Sheffield's spirits and increasing their pressure.
With their confidence renewed, Sheffield pressed on, but Durham’s solid structure allowed them to win crucial individual battles throughout the pitch. The team then shifted their focus towards counterattacking opportunities, which proved effective as several chances arose, although Sacha Lee was unable to convert them into goals.
At the final whistle, the Durham players celebrated their hard-fought victory, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline throughout the match.
Overall, Durham's ability to control the ball and maintain composure in crucial moments outshone the deflated Sheffield team. This victory will undoubtedly boost the players' confidence as they continue their unbeaten run, securing another three valuable points. The boys will now turn their attention to their next challenge on Wednesday against Liverpool at the fortress.
Taking on the responsibilty of both playing, managing, and captaining, Oli Williams was awarded player of the match as he led the line (metaphorically), remaining resolute in defence during tough periods of pressure, and providing a strong base from which to launch attacks.
Full-Time: Sheffield 1 - 2 Durham (2s)
Player of the Match: Oli Williams
Line-Up: Marko Porozovs; Freddie Alcock; Sam Benoist; Oli Williams; Max Nissim; Charlie Bramwell; Ben Crew; Zane Liles; Ben Pearson; Antony Selvadoray; Oscar Shculler
Substitutes: Finn Moore; Caine McCartney; Owen Birkett; Sacha Lee; Ryan Cook
***
Sheffield 1 - 1 Durham (3s) (A): 14:00
Written by George Gompertz
We set off on our travels from Maiden Castle at 10:00, sharing the three(ish) hour journey with the 2s. Well, to be honest, we set off a few minutes after the scheduled departure time, as counting to 31 proved too difficult of a task for some members of the squads.
Once underway, the journey flew by thanks to Caine McCarntney’s quiz, including rounds such as: ‘Is it a cheese or is it a service station?’; and ‘Guess the DUAFC player from their baby photo’. It didn’t make the journey go fast enough for some, however, as a couple of the lads caused the bus to be stopped so they could relieve their bladder.
Having found the changing rooms, warmed up, and been inspired by Loosemoore’s pre-match speech, we were ready to go. We knew it was going to be a battle - as much with the opposition as the elements, as underfoot was a heavy, energy-sapping grass pitch.
After some good early pressure with Will Kitching getting in behind, we struck the first blow. Felix Wallop’s looping free kick from 30 yards out was destined for the top corner, but the keeper got half a hand on it to divert it onto the post, and George Vardon followed-up to score the tap-in.
With Ethan Woodcock going close from 18 yards, Harry Loosemoore playing some lovely balls down the line, and Paddy Harvey controlling the left flank, it was certainly against the run of play when Sheffield won the ball high in the Durham half, and made no mistake to equalise.
There might have been a game-changing moment later in the half when Will Kitching was running through on goal and, 30 yards out, was pulled back. But, despite the defender making no attempt at the ball, was judged not to have committed a foul.
Half-Time: Sheffield 1 - 1 Durham (3s)
As both teams were getting worn out by the heavy pitch, the game lost some structure as everyone struggled to keep hold of the ball.
Chances came at a premium, with Will Kitching having one of the few shots of the half, with his deflected effort winning a corner. Some attacks were tactically stopped before they got a chance to blossom, with Woodcock receiving a couple of tasty challenges that kept him on the floor for a while afterwards.
With 15 minutes to go, Durham decided to change things as all four substitutions came on. As much as a change of personnel, it was the introduction of fresh legs which gave Durham a boost of energy.
Half-chances presented themselves again: Woodcock fired a snap-shot inches wide from range; nobody could get on the end of a pull back from the left-hand side; and Felix Wallop’s curling effort crept just past the post, despite looking in all the way.
But fresh legs for Sheffield gave them energy as well and, for the last 15 minutes, a true basketball game ensued, with chances at either end, but no goals to show for them.
With the 2s winning their game, the atmosphere on the way back was good and, amongst the 3s, talk had already turned to next week’s game away at Manchester. Votes were tallied up and Felix Wallop received player of the match, always wanting the ball and trying to be positive, there was always a feeling that something might happen when he got the ball in attacking areas.
Full-Time: Sheffield 1 - 1 Durham (3s)
Player of the Match: Felix Wallop
Line-Up: Jasper Gourley; Paddy Harvey; George Vardon; Sam Metheringham; Harry Loosemoore; Sam Checketts; Oli Tweddle; Felix Wallop; Archie Duggan; Will Kitching; Ethan Woodcock
Substitutes: Dan Kastande; Tom Gomes; Isaac Jowett; George Gompertz
***
Comments