Hail and hat-tricks: derby day had it all
8 goal thrillers, red cards, wonder goals, it’s fair to say the men’s varsity football fixtures did not disappoint.
The day kicked off at 12 PM with University of Manchester’s 3’s vs Manchester Metropolitan’s 3’s. Whilst the hail pelted down on both players and fans, MMU got off to an early lead through some fantastic football, finished off by man of the match Jamie Kershaw. This set the tone for the remainder of the game with the result being MMU 7 – 1 UOM and the brilliant Jamie Kershaw came off the pitch with a hat-trick as well as two assists. A dominant performance from MMU to start the day of sport
The second fixture of the day saw UOM’s 2’s take on MMU’s 2’s and this match proved just how fierce the rivalry between the two universities can be. MMU again got off to an early lead through the side’s number 9, Eddie Frempong who followed up on a parried shot, to tap it home into an empty net. Despite the early goal, neither team were able to gain any sort of control in the remainder of the half and there were limited chances for either side and MMU went into half time 1-0 up.
The second half began with early pressure from UOM, but the MMU defence stood firm. Midway through the half, the game took a slightly sour turn. A crunching tackle from UOM’s Braydon Kerr set off a brawl-like scene which resulted in a red card for MMU’s centre half, Evren Turksen and a yellow for Kerr. Now with 10-men, MMU had a big task ahead to maintain their lead. The inevitable UOM pressure came but once again MMU stood firm. After around 10 minutes, the pressure on MMU was eased as Braydon Kerr’s late sliding challenge earned him a second yellow card, meaning both sides were now down to 10-men. A late corner for MMU resulted in a Will Faulkner header hitting the post and landing in the path of man of the match Eddie Frempong, who once again passed the ball into the net, sealing MMU’s second victory of the day at 2-0.
5PM brought us the main event, the two first teams going head-to-head. MMU hungry for redemption after their defeat on penalties at last year’s event. UOM eager to retain their crown. UOM got off to an early lead through a free kick just outside MMU’s box taken by Joe Hunter, UOM’s number 10. The free kick deflected off the wall, wrong-footing keeper Connor Harte, and trickling into the net. With limited action in the remainder of the half, the sides went in to half time with UOM a goal to the good.
The second half began with much of the same, limited chances and sustained pressure, but UOM still in control with their one goal advantage. 10 minutes into the second half UOM extended their lead through a fantastic counter-attack. A clearance from UOM’s centre-back reached their number nine, Brenan Moore who brought it down beautifully near the half-way line, fending off pressure from MMU captain Tyler McManus before reaching the edge of the box and placing his right-footed shot into the far corner, 2-0 UOM. MMU worked tirelessly to get back into the game, but struggled to create any clear-cut chances, and their fate was sealed by another brilliant goal for UOM, this time scored by Clement Jeans. UOM were once again champions. MMU’s assistant coach George Selby shared his thoughts on the game, “A really tough one to take, they played a style of football that we just couldn’t cope with on the day. Felt like nothing really went our way but all credit to them, they deserved the win. Really proud of how our lads played all season, they’re a great bunch who always give 110%”.
Before each kick-off, a minute of silence and a round of applause was held in memory of much-loved Tom Nolan. Described by MMU FC as “loved by all” and “an integral part member of the club”. The club’s top goal scorer was a beloved and dear friend to many and will be truly missed.
In Loving memory of Tom Nolan.