By Dorkinians Alumni and Cambridge Post Graduate Joseph Banin

Dorkinians 2nd XI continued their impressive start to the league with a hard-fought Cup win against Enfield-based Oakhill Tigers II.

It was a perfect day for football. The sun was shining. There was a light autumn breeze. The grass could not have been greener. The changing rooms could not have been more yellow. And the referee could not have been dressed any smarter – a fine suit and tie to match the occasion in this prestigious Cup.

The captain stirred his team with a motivational speech before kick-off – “ask not what your football club can do for you, ask what you can do for your football club” (I paraphrase). Dorkinians made the best possible start, scoring from their first attack of the game, with Louis Corsten neatly lifting the ball over the on-rushing keeper. Our central midfielders started to dominate. Nick Torpey rolled back the years with an authoritative display, showing great awareness and a good range of passing – not content with playing good football, Torpey has the additional skill of being able to describe the game as it’s happening, so in effect we on the sidelines could witness a football match with commentary – a rare treat at this level. The ever-relaxed Tim Goddard was the perfect foil, breaking up play and bringing his team mates into the game. The Tigers got themselves back into the game with a defensive lapse, and when I say defence I mean goalkeeper – Ben Simpkins rushing out (sit, boy, sit!!), allowing the attacker to pass the ball into an empty net. Dorkinians restored their lead before half-time with a well-worked set piece – Luke Woodards delivered an inviting outswinging corner from the left, which was met by Chris Black, who directed his header across the keeper and into the bottom right-hand corner. 2-1 at the interval.

The Oakhill Tigers delivered a determined second-half performance, and dominated the exchanges, equalising with a header from a free kick. However, the Dorkinians back four of James Dickinson, Man of the Match George Warne, Alex Thomas and Luke Woodards defended superbly to keep the scores level. Ben Simpkins delivered an exemplary second-half performance, making some good saves and continuing to distribute the ball well. Defensive tenacity was rewarded when Dorkinians regained the lead. Chris Black, whose movement and strength the opposition had struggled to combat throughout the game, broke on the right of midfield. The cross was high, handsome and inviting, in the footballing corridor of uncertainty between goalkeeper and back four. Matt Cannon hade made an excellent run in from the left, and met the cross with a cushioned left-foot volley across the keeper into the bottom corner. A goal worthy of winning any match. Dorkinians held on in the last ten minutes, surviving an injury to centre back George Warne, who earned Man of the Match through his determined and competent defensive display. 3-2 the final score, the 100% record remains intact. Onwards and upwards in the Cup.