De Montfort University Men’s Football First XI have emphatically secured the first BUCS title of the season, with two games to spare.
On Wednesday 17th February, a 7-1 victory away at Wolverhampton, meant they could not be caught by second place Derby and were crowned champions.
The title comes off the back of a 100% record by the side, who earn the right of the first DMUFC First XI team to win a league in 10 years.
The team managed by Chris Franklin and coached by former Leicester City defender Matt Elliott, made the perfect start when Jake Evans pounced to fire home from a corner. It would not be plain sailing though as the hosts fought back, scoring after a moment of misfortune from DMU keeper Dan Wisbey, with the ball ricocheting in off his back after the Wolves striker hit the woodwork.
DMU weathered a tricky spell, to take a 3-1 half-time lead with goals through Josh Solomon and Jake Bull. It could have been more, if it was not for the misfiring front pairing of Josh Gwekwerere and Matt Harrison, whose efforts were not helped by the awful weather conditions and battered pitch.
DMU came out firing second half, with a performance reminiscent of their 11-1 victory over Derby two weeks earlier. Jake Evans completed his hat-trick, Matt Harrison continued to add to his tally for the season and Jake Bull added another for his brace.
Manager, Chris Franklin, said: “I am extremely proud and privileged to have worked with a fantastic bunch of players over the season.
“We came back to training two weeks before the start of Freshers’ hoping that with a bit of hard work and commitment, we could achieve something special. The league title is now secured and we are now hoping to shock Leicester come Varsity. The players deserve all the plaudits that come their way.”
Speaking at DMU’s Varsity launch the following day, Vice President Student Activities, Daniel Winney and First XI midfielder said: “Yesterday we secured our first BUCS victory of the season, hopefully the first of many. It’s been a pleasure to be part of such a great bunch of lads who play so well together as a team. I hope everyone can take this win as motivation to end their BUCS seasons strong and bring us some more titles.
“Such a strong season from our sports teams, bodes well for varsity. I’m confident we can do ourselves and the university proud and hopefully we’ll get the win we’re all craving”.
The side will face the University of Leicester in their varsity on Monday 7th March at Oadby Town Football Club. Get down to support them and hopefully they can add another trophy to their league title.