Despite receiving a red card for the second away Roses in a row, LUMFC 1s clinch dramatic victory to seal undefeated weekend for the club.
Based on their previous two encounters, if there was a fixture not to miss out on over Roses weekend it would be that of LUMFC 1s vs. UOYMFC 1s. Last year’s epic comeback, and an against all odds 10 men victory in 2017 had filled the spectators at the York Sport Arena with anticipation for yet another entertaining clash between the top 32 footballers of the two universities; and they were not to be disappointed.
Playing into a strong wind, a large share of Lancaster’s first half possession was around their defensive third as they knew better to build an attack patiently than go long. Despite the physical presence of York’s pressing forwards, the superior technical ability of the Red Roses allowed them to do so comfortably, a theme that remained consistent throughout the 90 minutes. One such play saw Lancs awarded a free-kick from an enticing crossing position. The ball was whipped in by skipper Ben Anderson and headed high into the swirling wind by Roses debutant Dan McKeown. After what seemed like an age, it eventually dropped to an unsuspecting Ben Finch, who upon receiving no challenge from his opposing goalkeeper, simply could not miss. In his sixth Roses appearance Finch nodded in his first legitimate goal, ridding his ‘ghost goal’ of three years prior from the memory of the cheering travelling fans.
LUMFC’s confidence on the ball matched their tireless and determined work-rate off it, with every player fighting for each other to ensure they went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage. The second 45 kicked off in similar fashion; the 1s were not afraid to stick a foot in where it hurt. However, five minutes in and this bravery was momentarily exchanged for over-zealousness as Anderson’s high sliding tackle meant the referee was forced to give him his marching orders. For a successive away Roses LUMFC were reduced to 10 men and looked to be up against it, but their experience in such scenarios only drove them on. Into the last quarter of the game the ball was played to the feet of striker Adam Bolton. The number 9 shrugged off one defender and made a weaving run past another before finishing calmly into the bottom left. 2-0 and all that was left to cap a near perfect performance was to secure a clean sheet. However, this was threatened by a dubious decision to hand York a late penalty. Despite this, the home team were still unable to score, as Lancs stopper Joe Clarke made a superb diving save to his left.
The 1s saw out the final seconds of the game and celebrations ensued alongside the 2s, whose goalless draw earlier in the day meant LUMFC went a further Roses unbeaten. Chants of Championes engulfed the air and were quickly followed by the consumption of (several) celebratory pints. LUMFC 1s certainly do not make it easy for themselves, but their win ensured that Roses, at least in footballing terms, remains a shade of red for another year.
Goals:
Finch x 1
Bolton x 1
