Team Derby Maintain 100% Futsal Record
Team Derby’s Futsal 1sts claimed back to back wins in dramatic style in a fiery encounter with Nottingham Trent University.
Two goals either side of half time from Callum Jenkins, and two second half strikes from Tom McGrath, including a last minute free-kick, sent Derby on their way to victory.
Trent took the lead after a miscommunication in the Derby defence allowed the visitors’ striker to capitalise and stroke home. Five minutes before the interval Derby were level; a through ball from McGrath set Jenkins through, and his deliciously dinked effort found its way into the far corner.
Derby began the second half in terrific fashion, and were in front in the opening two minutes after an inch perfect pass from goalkeeper Johnny Lappert found Jenkins whose turn and volley whistled into the top corner. Jenkins scored his fourth goal in two games, which placed him at the top of the goalscoring chart.
Lappert was again involved moments later, this time defensively after a fantastic double save kept derby in front. Nottingham were beginning to look dangerous and began to throw more men forward.
The visitors’ persistence paid dividends; two goals in a matter of five minutes sent the away side into a 3-2 lead, and they were good value for it.
Derby’s equaliser came eight minutes from time. Jenkins and Rabbi Mambonzo played a neat one-two; the former fed the ball into the path of the onrushing McGrath who fired home from close range to level the scoring.
Derby’s winner came in dramatic fashion. They were awarded an indirect free kick in the edge of the D. Mambonzo set up McGrath who toe poked through the tiniest of gaps to send Derby into a well deserved 4-3 lead with 30 seconds to spare.
Derby defended resiliently and saw the game out, claiming their second victory of the season, much to the relief and joy of goalkeeper Johnny Lappert, who spoke after the game.
He said: “It was a well deserved three points. We dug in deep, and our hard work paid off. We are pleased with the performance.’
Derby’s 100% record still remains intact. They face the University of Warwickshire in their next game on November 5th.