FOOTBALL - Varsity Match heartache for Light Blues
Friday 30 April 2010
Cambridge 1 - Oxford 1 – (3 – 5 pens)
The 126th Varsity Football Match took place at the Abbey Stadium in Cambridge on Friday. The contest was originally meant to take place at Craven Cottage on Boat Race day but the match had to be rescheduled due to Fulham Football Club's amazing success in the Europa League.
In a first half that saw both teams enjoy periods of sustained pressure it was Cambridge who finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Matt Stock’s pace and skill proved too much for his opposite number whose reckless challenge resulted in Cambridge being awarded a penalty. Baxter made no mistake in slotting the ball in from the spot take the light blues ahead 1-0. Cambridge managed to keep the pressure on for the remainder of the half but were unable to extend their lead.
Oxford pressed forward at the start of the second half but Cambridge were equal to the challenge. As the half wore on, Cambridge took greater control of the game and continued to threaten the Oxford defence. Just as the match seemed to be heading towards a 1-0 victory, Oxford earned a free kick within striking distance of the Cambridge goal. James Kelly’s outstanding strike beat the Cambridge defence to take the game level in the 88th minute.
After a comparatively uneventful period of extra time the game went to penalties. Five textbook penalties and excellent keeping resulted in victory for the Dark Blues and heartbreak for Cambridge. Oxford won the Varsity Football Match 3-5 on penalties.
