De Montfort FC’s 4th team battled hard but concluded their campaign with a loss at Stoughton Road on Wednesday afternoon as their UoL counterparts ran out 4-1 victors.

On a bitterly cold and wet day, the first 20 minutes were filled with momentum from DMU; impressive breaks down the right hand side perpetuated by Tyerone Trottman and Azeez Ayola led to several early chances, while Brad Roche’s commanding performance at centre half gave the visitors a firm base upon which to build as the game went on.

The early momentum and positive play was undone, however, by questionable refereeing decisions and a lucky free kick conceded on the right hand side that narrowly evaded the grasp of goalkeeper Soritis Karoulla, as well as the loss of centre half Roche to injury. A second was conceded not long after.

After the restart, the intensity returned to DMU after a galvanising team talk. Chances came and went, as fouls were conceded by both teams on what proved to be an emotional day for De Montfort FC. The third goal came midway through the second half, as the referee’s decisions were yet again heavily protested. With 5 minutes to go, UoL saw a player dismissed and a goal clawed back.

The comeback, however, was not to be; after a late penalty call was waved away by the referee and a penalty awarded against DMU that resulted in ugly scenes reminiscent of the 1st team varsity on Monday night, UoL’s goal cushion was increased to 3. Despite the loss of the 4ths, De Montfort claimed the football varsity for 2017 with 5 wins out of 7.

(c) Photography by Kirsty Blackwell