Defending champions thump first years

JMU Journalism World Cup holders Level 2 are through to the final again after trouncing tournament new boys, Level 1, 6-1 in their semi-final encounter.

The second years were in sparkling form, deploying six different scorers, and they were 4-0 up by half-time at the LJMU IM Marsh campus in Aigburth. They now face Level 3 in a re-run of last year’s epic final.

Although the scoreline suggests a brutal baptism of misery into JMU Journalism World Cup football, the first years were far from overawed by the occasion, and they can look back fondly on one of the best goals ever seen in the event.

Unfortunately, they will also reflect with a wistful smile on one of the worst missed penalties in the competition’s colourful history, which includes several other contenders.

Level 2 dominated from the outset, and Level 1’s stand-in goalkeeper, John Mathews, had to be at his very best to dive low to palm away Adam Smith’s goalbound effort, despite the lecturer nursing one of his infamous groin strains.

However, his agonising injury left him helpless just moments later when he fumbled a free-kick and guest player Ryan Martin tapped home the loose ball.

Level 1’s Duke Menango took over between the posts, but he
fared little better. Smith guided home a second, before turning
provider to set up Vegard Grott’s headed goal, and Dominic
‘Coach’ for number four.

The first years were offered faint hopes of an unlikely comeback
just before the break when David Downie cynically brought down
Adam Davies in the box, but the spot-kick was wasted when Kev
Barker ballooned it high over the crossbar.

Some consolation for Level 1 came in the form of a fabulous
left-footed curled shot by Josh Killner, which found the top
corner of the goal after he was set up by Brandon Cross.

Level 2's Will Walton took a break from his goalkeeping duties
by playing outfield and he restored the four-goal advantage by
poking the ball past Menango.

The New Caledonian goalkeeper was then beaten by Faroese defender Trondur Arge’s header to make it 6-1, as Liam Deveney’s side stormed into the final full of confidence, and firm favourites to defend their title next Sunday.