An unbelievable 70-yard strike sealed an epic win for Trent as they defeated University of Nottingham (UoN) 3-1 in the penultimate Varsity event.
It took a tense period of extra time for Trent to see off their fierce rivals after it finished 1-1 after normal time.
Trent started the brighter of the two teams in the opening minutes and dominated possession but chances were few and far between.
The first real chance of the game for Trent came after 6 minutes when a floated corner caused confusion in the box and the ball fell to centre-back Stainfield whose goal-bound effort was blocked.
Trent failed to make their possession count and Uni of Nottingham began to get a foothold on the game, causing Trent problems down the wings.
UoN turned their dominance into the opening goal on 25 minutes when the Trent keeper failed to hold onto a long range effort, and the ball fell kindly for UoN’s forward who tapped in to put his side ahead.
This setback sparked Trent back into life and they began to create more openings with Stainfield once again finding himself in front of goal but he volleyed agonisingly wide.
Just as fans were leaving their seats for half-time, Trent silenced the UoN supporters with a goal to level things up.
It was the equaliser they deserved, and it came thanks to a Jamie Brown glancing header at the near post from a fine cross from a Trent winger.
The second half was a cagey affair with neither team committing many players forward, meaning there were no clear cut chances for either side.
In the final ten minutes Trent made two key substitutions, and that paid dividends as the match headed into extra time.
The players were clearly tired going into extra time but this did not stop a UoN player from going on a mazy run and firing a driven shot which was saved well by Martin in the Trent goal.
However, it was Trent who took the lead four minutes into extra time thanks to Reeves after some great build up play.
The attack started with some slick passing in midfield before a sumptuous Jamie Brown cross was met by substitute Reeves who neatly slotted home.
The game became very open and UoN nearly replied instantly but their forward scuffed wide from six yards out with the goal at his mercy.
UoN continued to press in search of an equaliser and nearly levelled the score but a back-post volley was lashed just wide.
Trent’s defence managed to hold out under intense pressure and the victory was made certain thanks to a spectacular third goal.
In the last minute UoN won a free-kick in a dangerous position and their keeper was urged into the Trent box, leaving his goal exposed.
The free-kick was easily defended and it enabled Trent to break, the ball was delivered out wide to substitute Canning who unleashed a remarkable 70-yard strike into the unguarded net, sending the Trent fans into raptures.
Trent may have lost the Varsity series overall, but this valiant performance gave the fans something to brag about before the upcoming cricket match.
Simon Murfitt and Robin Murray.
Tags: football, nottingham trent university, University of Nottingham, varsity
