DMU succumbed to an 8-4 defeat in the Futsal at the Roger Bettle Sports’ Centre but still hold a 3-1 lead in the overall standings.

Two quick goals for University of Leicester proved a step too far for DMU despite fighting back to 4-4 from 4-1 down.

It was a nightmare start for DMU as UoL raced into a three-goal lead within the opening five minutes. The hosts started with intent, but a scuffed shot trickled just wide, but the first goal came shortly after. UoL rounded the DMU keeper for an easy finish before falling 2-0 down shortly after. DMU struggled to hold onto the ball in the opening stages.

The third UoL goal followed moments later when a pass across the pitch was intercepted leaving the hosts with a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper which was coolly converted.

A few breaks for DMU allowed the boys to gain confidence and a snap shot forced the UoL keeper to pull off an expert save before rattling the upright from halfway.

A timeout at 3-0 down worked a treat for the visitors as they approached the restart with more conviction before Elliot How netted to get DMU back into the game.­

UoL restored their three-goal lead as a shot struck the post before unluckily falling to the home side leaving an easy finish.

Jeevan Johal pulled off a finish of the highest calibre, firing a free kick into the back of the net with less than five minutes to go in the half.

DMU’s Keenan Sangha was shown a red card from the bench for backchat with seconds left on the clock to make DMU’s mountain just that bit more difficult to climb.

After the break DMU came out all guns blazing and tied the game up with two goals within the first five minutes of the half, courtesy of an own goal and Johal’s second of the game.

The 4-4 score was short lived as UoL regained the lead in controversial circumstances. The DMU bench were convinced that UoL took too long to get back into play. Another loss of concentration allowed UoL to double their lead, 6-4 with 13 minutes remaining.

The game was seemingly put beyond doubt with ten minutes left as UoL scored another despite a great effort from DMU’s keeper.

With less than five minutes left in the match, DMU began to throw players forward in the hope of rescuing the match but this left them susceptible to the counter attack and UoL eventually scored an eighth to get UoL on the Varsity scoreboard.

8-4 full time at Roger Bettle Sports’ Centre.