To celebrate the last three years at University, the Sports Journalism third-years took to the football pitch, with Audio FC (A team made up of half of the year group) facing Video FC (the other half of the year group)
Audio FC snatched a late 2-1 win through an unlikely source, Cameron Jarvis, in the biggest game Solent has ever seen.
The game was played at Test Park and had been brewing over the last few years in the Newsroom.
Starting in the newsroom, ending on the pitch, the split between audio and video has sparked a huge debate, and the tension was fiercely shown on the pitch.
Three years, decided in one game of football. This meant everything.
Audio FC arrived early and were well-drilled from the start, something manager Beau Brown focused on since being announced as manager.
Brown spoke on the journey to this historic match, “It’s been a journey for the lads, I have worked closely with them on newsdays all through 1st year up to now”
Brown continued with huge words of wisdom for his side, “As a manager, you couldn’t wish for anything else. I love every single one of them”
Manager of Video FC Ed Groves spoke about the lack of preparation his side had “We came to the game with 7 players for an 8-aside match, I had to go in goal for the first half with one leg”
Video FC were late due to Patrick Fitzgerald driving into a massive pot-hole, destroying one of his tyres, leaving the team coach with a struggle to make kick-off.
A noticeable difference between the two sides was squad depth. Audio FC may not have had as much quality, but the numbers that manager Brown managed to get together were vital in the victory.
Audio FC starting lineup:
Subs: Jasper Rowland, Ben Kilminster, Jack Todd
Video FC starting lineup:
As expected, Video FC had the majority of the ball and allowed very little possession for Brown’s Audio team. The first chance fell to Audio, though, with Lucas driving forward with the ball, and despite having two players free in good positions and screaming for the ball, his cross/ shot flew over the fence, resulting in a very long jog to retrieve it.
Both sides had very few chances, with both defences being focused and determined. The combination of Max Freeman and Owen Bolger in defence, with Evan Roberts behind them, seemed unbeatable, with the defenders winning most duels early on.
The first goal came through a very unlikely source for Video. A ball was launched into the penalty box, and despite a clear shove from Melvin Armstrong on Freeman, Armstrong headed the ball past a diving Roberts, to shock Brown’s side.
Audio then kept battling, but the strong defence of Ben Brees, Patrick Fitzgerald and the athletic Michael Ladejobi isolated striker Will Charlton, giving Video a huge platform to build on.
Morley found himself with lots of the ball, the one-footed midfielder, who could dribble very well, only found himself going sideways and backwards, as the stubborn defence of Audio stayed strong.
The half-time whistle blew (everyone was tired and wanted a break), and a tactical change was key for Brown’s side.
The side went into the second half with a more compact midfield to help minimise the threat of Morely.
Despite having a solid first half, James Mann and Ladejobi struggled to clear the ball, despite little pressure, which allowed Freeman to steal the ball and toe poke Audio FC back level.
The celebration was excellent, with Freeman, who received a booking for removing his shirt. Unfortunately for him, he saw himself celebrating alone as the rest of the team were eager to get a winner.
The latter stages of the game were tense, with Video FC knocking on the door, searching for the all-important winning goal.
With 15 minutes added on somehow, a moment of tactical genius and superb vision won the game.
Captain Charlton subbed himself off for Cameron Jarvis, who jogged onto the pitch and was instantly found by Lucas. Jarvis was one-on-one with Zac Jackson, and the brummy cooly lobbed the keeper, sending Audio FC into absolute bedlam!
The whole team sprinted to Jarvis, with Lucas, Charlton and the goalscorer receiving bookings for removing their shirts in the heat of the moment.
Brown’s side managed the final few minutes professionally and were crowned champions of The Newsday Cup.
Speaking to match-winner Jarvis after the match, he explained the momentous moment, “I just saw Shea look up, and shouted his name, he played it perfect over the top, I looked up and saw Zac and took the opportunity to lob him.”
“I’ve missed a few in the past, but I backed myself to score it, and it was just brilliant… the perfect moment”
Brown also spoke to the media after the game, “It was a great win, and to do it like that was really special… This group is special, and today we showed that”
FULL TIME SCORE: AUDIO FC 2-1 VIDEO FC
(Audio FC after their famous 2-1 victory)
Both sides now have breaks in their fixture list due to international call-ups in the squads.
Talks of a second leg are underway.
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