Match Report: Cambridge University Women’s I vs Oxford University Women’s I
24/03/2024
By Lucy Williams, James Hyde, and Andreas Velimachitis
How it happened, Minute by Minute
By Lucy Williams
The Light Blues walked out with an air of determined confidence as they looked to replicate their decisive 4-0 victory over Oxford at last year’s Varsity match. Indeed, Cambridge’s winning mindset could be seen in their tactical gameplan: a very high press with an emphasis on retaining possession and playing forward balls.
Cambridge certainly looked to be the dominant side in the early minutes of the game, and it only took nine minutes for their attack-minded play to work in their favour. A marauding, Cannavaro-esque run with the ball from centre back Alexia Dengler, saw number 11 Fran Mangeolles in space in the box. She promptly cut back and slotted the ball home with aplomb: 1-0 Cambridge. The home fans erupted in celebration.
Cambridge’s first goal (Photo Credits: Luke Barber @The_Photographers_Lens)
The Light Blues’ energy did not drop off after their first goal, and they continued to push hard for a second goal. Lalini Colas played an excellent ball to Mangeolles, who could not quite get the shot off, but managed to pass the ball to an ever present Ella O’Connell who fired a shot towards the goal. Cambridge supporters - albeit prematurely - were delighted as it looked as if their lead had been doubled just ten minutes after their first goal. The ball, however, ended up going just over the post. Unlucky for the Light Blues, but another very promising chance.
Cambridge’s high press and strength in possession forced Oxford into creating most of their chances on the counterattack. Cambridge keeper, Emilia Keavney, was forced into a save after Oxford’s club President Maddy Kowalenko managed to evade the Cambridge back line and fire a shot on target towards the home side’s goal. Keavney, again, had to demonstrate her goalkeeping prowess as Oxford co-captain Iona Bennett - whose quick footwork and fast runs continuously frustrated the Cambridge back line - managed to get a dangerous looking cross into the box. However, Oxford were denied a goal as Cambridge’s composed back line managed to clear the ball with confidence. Despite Cambridge clearing their lines calmly, Oxford managed to win the ball back quickly and Maddy Kowalenko directed a shot towards goal from a tight angle. Cambridge fans watched with bated breath as they feared an Oxford equaliser. Their fears did not come to fruition, however, as the ball went just across the face of the goal.
After an anxious few minutes of Oxford attack, Cambridge regained their dominance. The Light Blues, ever strong in possession, continued to drive the ball up the pitch in wave after wave of attack. The ball fell to Colas at the edge of the box who tried to score from a distance. An impressive attempt, but the ball went just over the bar. Nevertheless, Cambridge were to be rewarded for their constant quality in the 40th minute with the first corner of the game. A fantastic run into the box from Ailie Rennie allowed her head to connect forcibly with the ball after an inswinging cross. There was absolutely nothing that could stop the ball from going into the back of the net and Cambridge doubled their lead in the closing minutes of the first half.
Cambridge’s second goal (Photo Credits: Luke Barber @The_Photographers_Lens)
The energy of the game did not drop off after half time, as both sides took to the pitch with just as much determination as they had in the first half. Oxford’s number 9, Iona Bennett, continued to be a threat to the Cambridge back line with most of the Dark Blues’ attacks coming from her. She was held off, however, by a brave Cambridge back line which was not afraid to commit fully to tackles and clear its lines with skill and composure.
Despite wanting to protect their lead, Cambridge did not fall into a defensive role and instead continued to press high up the pitch. Some of their opening attacks lacked clinicality as long passes forward did not find Cambridge players. However, this all changed in the 62nd minute, as Rennie found herself in space in midfield, with just enough time to shoot at goal and loop the keeper from distance. A second goal for Cambridge’s mighty number 4 put the Light Blues three goals up.
The Oxford side continued to attempt to attack on the counter, looking to take something from the game. Their attempts at driving forward were not helped by the onset of heavy rain which made an already boggy pitch even more slippery. Indeed, Kowalenko went down in the 75th minute forcing an Oxford substitution. Despite manager Kaveh Fatemian looking to switch up Oxford’s team with a flurry of substitutions, the Dark Blues continued to struggle to launch any meaningful attacks on goal. Bennet ran the entire length of the pitch in the closing minutes of the game, but to no avail, as she was decisively shut down by the Cambridge defence.
Oxford’s last ditch attempts did not come to anything and the final whistle blew. 3-0 to the Light Blues, a well deserved win after a convincing show of technique and domination.
Jubilation; Cambridge celebrate their convincing win (Photo Credits: @The_Photographers_Lens)
How it Unfolded, Tactically
By James Hyde and Andreas Velimachitis
As the game progressed in the early stages, it became clear that a certain dynamic was being established; that of controller and controlled. Cambridge assumed the former, dominating the game, and Oxford the latter, staying relatively passive for much of the ninety minutes.
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In our view, central to this control was Cambridge’s excellent high press, fully committing both the attacking and midfield lines to press Oxford from goal kicks. This, combined with a high Cambridge defensive line, meant that Oxford struggled to play out like they intended, forcing them to go long which was, in turn, excellently dealt with by the Cambridge centre backs. It seemed the only way Oxford could progress into the final third was through the individual talent of their wingers, which, in fairness to them, did seem threatening (when they were not slipping on the Cambridge United pitch, that is). Most of Oxford’s attacks came from their number nine, who seemed able to effortlessly progress the ball from halfway line to the final third.
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This tactical orientation remained the same during much of the game. On the whole, Cambridge were able to force Oxford long, and win the ball back. From this they exerted control with the press resistance of the two centre midfielders; meaning any Oxford intensity in the press was wasted.
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Cambridge patiently worked the ball into wide areas with early crosses, and crosses from the byline proving extremely effective. When Oxford attempted to transition, it was often rushed and Cambridge’s press was able to start another attack.
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Ultimately, Oxford relied on individual brilliance; and even in that respect, Cambridge were up to the task and, with the exception of a few instances, were mostly able to snuff out Oxford’s attempts at threatening.
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A special mention goes out to our photographer, Luke, more of whose excellent work you can check out here.