Blues triumph at Cottage
Oxford 1 - 0 Cambridge
Craven Cottage
FOR THE eleventh straight year, writes Keith Fowler, Oxford retained the Varsity Football Cup at Fulham's Craven Cottage in a hard-fought and scrappy encounter which seemed destined from the start to be decided by one goal. Tom Cairns' late nod from inside the six yard box ensured that the good guys stole the glory from a Cambridge outfit who lacked the self-belief to put away a number of potentially match-winning chances.
The generous and appreciative crowd who came to see the last Varsity Football Match of the millennium endured not only a light drizzle which made the ball zip off the lush surface, but a game lacking in aesthetically pleasing moments. Oxford coach Dave Dodds had prepared his charges for a high-pressure first half hour in which the defence of set pieces could be crucial. His words were soon borne out as the Light Blues won five corners in quick succession, though the aerial superiority of Oxford's O'Brien and Wardle repelled the threat.
At the other end, the ball broke for striker Rishworth who guided it under Cambridge 'keeper Madden only for Haines to clear off the line. This was the best chance of a first half brimming with energy and commitment.
The relentless tackling in the middle of the park claimed two early victims. Cambridge skipper Pett went off on a stretcher and Oxford's Falconer was replaced by Griffin, met by a huge roar from the main stand.
Spencer at left back was often tested by the pace of the Fearnley twins who showed just why they were trialists at Huddersfield F.C. The younger of the two, Tom, scythed mazily through the Oxford defence and should have centered, deciding instead to poke the ball into the side netting. Despite enjoying more possession, Cambridge were disappointing in the final third and never really looked like testing Rutter.
Oxford started the second half well, switching intelligently and working the space on the flanks through Cairns and Fowler. Davies was industrious as ever up front, managing to ooze quality despite the meagre scraps he was being fed from a packed midfield.
It was Cambridge who had two clear chances with twenty minutes remaining which could have finished the tie. Williamson bustled through the middle of the area and lashed straight at the solid Rutter who made a good reflex stop, then shot well over from eighteen yards. Cambridge through Glamocak resorted to diving in the area; Premiership referee Uriah Rennie's response of a broad smile and a chuckle was one of the afternoon's few instances of relaxed composure.
Williams and Lowe provided Oxford with fresh legs, and they soon applied pressure on the Light Blue defence. The solidity and patience of Oxford finally paid off with two minutes of normal time remaining. Pushing men forward, centre back Wardle collected the ball wide on the right and floated in a teasing cross which mesmerised the opposition. Madden hesitated before leaving his line, failed to collect and a grateful man-of-the-match Cairns was on hand to finish off from close range.On the day in which both heavily favoured Oxford heavyweight crews lost to the old enemy, the footballers once again displayed the self-belief required to translate superior preparation and talent into triumph. With the psychological advantage mounting as each year passes, it promises to be a while before the Tabs stop this glorious streak.