Dan Swift reports from Kedleston Road
Somuadina Ndu has explained that Derby University Men’s 1s are preparing for today’s title-deciding finale as they would for any other fixture.
Liam Sutcliffe’s promotion hopefuls take on Worcester Men’s 1s in the all-important championship game at Kedleston Road on Wednesday.
The winners of the 2024/25 Men’s Midlands Tier 2B will be decided here in the final league match of the season.
The hosts will be looking to lift the title and seal promotion by 5pm on Wednesday after facing Worcester, who are already relegated. Any slip-up from Derby and current leaders Oxford Brookes University would instead take the crown.
Ndu spoke about focusing on the team’s performance instead of their opposition. The midfielder said: “He [Sutcliffe, the manager] has not spoken about the other team during the week; [Tuesday] was the first time he mentioned their name, and that was just in passing.
“His message basically has been to do everything you know you can do, play your best and put your best foot forward, have detail in everything you do, and everything should be done with intent.”
Ndu claimed the league table is irrelevant to the game. “From a team perspective, there are no easy games in football,” he said. “Do we underestimate them or think it will be an easy game? Absolutely not.
“Football is just 90 minutes in front of you, regardless of your position in the table. First can lose to last. With that perspective, we are giving them the due respect.”
Ndu reiterated that the squad’s playing style would remain the same despite the opposition’s position in the table.
He mentioned: “We are used to being the dominant side with the ball. When you are fortunate to have that position, you can dictate it. Liam is a great manager; if need be, he can change the formation.”
Ndu talked about the squad’s versatility and how they could adapt to certain scenarios throughout the game. The midfielder said: “We can all play two or three positions; it is more how the game goes.
“It has definitely been to our advantage that we can change mid-game, and everyone has that cognitive awareness.”
Derby Men’s 1s will be hopeful of clinching promotion after a successful campaign which has seen it go down to the final day.
