Derby Men’s 5th XI 2-1 Warwick Men’s 4th XI: Hosts Come From Behind to Steal All Three Points

Words by Katy Wordley-Smith

Picture by Joel Roberts

Derby Men’s 5^th XI made a second-half comeback against Warwick Men’s 4^th XI as they secured a 2-1 victory and an important three points.

Following a disappointing first half, Derby went into half time 1-0 down as a result of a fine effort from Matthew Hickey. However, goals from Joe Trevor and Kudzai Mutamba saw Derby make an impressive comeback in the second half.

The game started evenly with neither set of players really pressuring the other going forward. The away side were the first to provide a threat after 10 minutes with a shot that went inches wide from Hickey.

That miss didn’t affect the forward’s confidence though as just five minutes later, he put his side in front. A direct curled ball into the top left corner from a free-kick gave Warwick the lead.

Feeling the pressure, Derby manager Elliot Jackson, felt the team were overrun in midfield and decided to switch the formation from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2. The change in shape saw the home side gain confidence going into half time.

Derby went into the second half trailing but almost pulled level. A great goalbound header from Kieran King was hooked off the line by Warwick goalkeeper Darksh Sharma.

The away side applied more pressure as they caught Derby on the counter-attack but weren’t able to put the ball into the back of the net, shooting just inches wide. Derby responded brilliantly when a well-timed flick from James Wilson landed at the feet of Joe Trevor who provided the equaliser.

Just 10 minutes later, substitute Mutamba put his side in front. The ball bounced over the defender before he let fly from the edge of the box and found the back of the net. The goal led to jubilant scenes as the home supporters added to the celebrations with a pitch invasion.

Derby were able to see out the match securing all three points meaning they’ll be going into the new year full of confidence.