Varsity preview – Men’s Futsal players keen to avoid repeat of costly mistakes

Derby Men's Futsal team's final training session ahead of Varsity.

Hridyam Arora reports from Kedleston Road

The University of Derby’s Men’s Futsal team face Hertfordshire in the Varsity showdown at Kedleston Road on Wednesday, with much more on the line than just bragging rights.

These two teams face off for the second consecutive game in as many months, with Hertfordshire emerging victorious last time around with a convincing 4-2 win.

Derby do have their work cut out for them as Hertfordshire, who have won their last two games with a combined scoreline of 16-6, are in fine form coming into the game.

Derby, on the other hand, have only one won of their last three games, although that one game was a 7-1 drubbing of Newcastle.

The players knew there were things to improve on from last month, and they will be focusing on that for Wednesday.

“We didn’t finish our chances last time around [vs Hertfordshire],” Adam Cockerill said after the team’s last training session before the game. “If you watch the actual game, it was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, so finishing our chances would be key.”

Kiano Kitariko also had a self-reflecting tone to his voice when he talked about the game vs Hertfordshire last month.

He said: “Our main problem was we made mistakes in key moments, so we have to play more calmly and not force things.

“We have to keep our heads down and stay focused.”

Cockerill had a lot of good things to say about the fans and their importance, bringing up experiences from previous years playing Varsity.

“My first year [playing Varsity] was really good. Playing in front of a big crowd was so good because you always rise to the occasion when that happens, and I’m looking forward to it this time around as well.”

Kitariko shared similar thoughts about the importance of those who will be watching them play live at the Kedleston Road on Wednesday evening.

“The Varsity atmosphere is something we really enjoy. I’m looking forward to it.

“The crowd always makes it tough for the opposition, and at the same time, it gasses us up, so they are going to be really important tomorrow.”