Manager Liam Sutcliffe said he was proud of his Derby university first team despite being relegated from Midlands 1A.
He made his comments directly after a tight 1-0 defeat at the hands of Loughborough twos.
Derby were hoping for a much needed win to give themselves a small chance of avoiding relegation this the season.
He said: “In terms of all season I’ve been proud of the players.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to them, they’re giving away years in age and experience, know how physicality we can all see that they don’t just give up.”
Derby’s Devante Ramsey had to go off due to a concussion injury that stopped play for 15 minutes which led to them playing with 10 for the remainder of the match.Â
Sutcliffe added: “I wouldn’t say he’s okay, but he’s come around, he was concussed. Obviously, as you could see, we were all quite worried.
“He seems to have come around and he’ll be missing for at least three weeks, just following concussion protocols.
“It’ll be important that we keep a close eye on him over the next few days.”
The first half started off with the away side having the better of the game with winger Jed Scott’s shot dragging just wide in the opening 10.Â
The home side then had their best spell of the half as Andre Ovbiagele in what was near identical to Scott’s effort struck the post, before Murambe was unfortunate with his effort also hitting the woodwork.
As the teams came out for the second half, Loughborough took the lead as Scott, who had been the most threatening player for the away, side placed it the bottom corner from 18 yards out.Â
Derby were unable to find a way back into the match, as Liam Coddomore missed an open goal that went off the post for Loughborough, who have gained themselves a crucial three points in their fight against relegation
The relegated side’s next game will be at home in fortnight’s time, against the University of Nottingham thirds, on March 4.
