BUCS Big Wednesday: Football

It was a disappointing end to the BUCS Championship for Northumbria University M1 and W1 football but both sides can hold their heads high after incredible performances this season.

M1 manager Derek Forrest hailed the unparalleled mentality of his team who could, perhaps, call themselves unlucky to lose against Cardiff.   

“We prepared well going into the game,” said Forrest. “We’d done our homework, we knew our plan and we had a fair idea what theirs would be.

“The lads started so well early on and we were forcing errors and managed the game really well.

“We earned the right to play and took the game to them and across the park we were exceptional.

“We were creating some great chances, which in the end got us the early goal through Joel Bradley and Ben Dibb-Fuller.

“It could’ve been two or three at half-time but instead we went into the changing room with 10 men. 

“The boys’ mentality was second to none. They took it on, changed their shape and looked to play a bit more on the counter-attack.

“Unfortunately, we conceded two goals from set pieces – we haven’t conceded a goal in open play in 210 minutes which I think shows how strong we are defensively. 

“Overall the performance was magnificent, the team spirit was exceptional and with 11 men throughout who knows what might have happened?

“Everything about Northumbria represents what a good team should be. It was a fantastic occasion and the lads showed exceptional character on the pitch.”

It was a similar tale in the W1 final, where Northumbria suffered a 4-3 defeat in a thrilling match against Durham. Director of sport Colin Stromsoy hailed the performances of the Northumbria students and insisted all athletes representing the university in Bath this week were a credit to themselves and the university.

“The girls lost to a screamer in their final,” said Stromsoy. “It was just really unfortunate because they were outstanding in their final.

“There were some incredible results and some disappointing ones across the board but I couldn’t be prouder of the students and staff that were involved in Bath.

“The way everyone conducted themselves and competed was a credit to the university and the fact that we had so many teams involved is a testament to the culture we have at Northumbria.

“For us to be there, as one of the universities who fields the fewest teams in BUCS competitions, speaks volumes. It’s a special university to be a part of.”