George Ash reporting from Kedleston Road
Striker Bernard Nsiah scored a hat-trick as Derby university thirds beat Wolverhampton firsts in their Midlands 4C game 5-3 at Kedleston Road.
Derby’s performance moves them from bottom of the table, and despite manager Tim Coomes’ second-half red card, they will be hopeful of survival.
Derby swiftly broke the deadlock as Sam King’s cross found its way to Bernard Nsiah, whose header beat Alfie Hobbs in the Wolverhampton net.
Wolverhampton managed to draw two back in the 23rd and 27th minute through Valdimir Ramirez Gonzalez and Abdoulaye Mbengue.
Three minutes later, Connor Dunphy’s header from a Harry Shepard corner levelled the hosts.
The half’s final goal was for Derby also, as Jacob Roger’s long throw was flicked on by Dunphy and put into an open net by Nsiah putting Derby 4-2 up going into the half.
Derby started the second half strongly as just a minute in, Nsiah grabbed his third, completing a hat-trick with a strike into the bottom right-hand corner.
In the 73rd minute, the hosts made it five as Shepard’s corner found Dunphy for his second of the night as his header at the back post.
In the 81st minute, Wolverhampton got a consolation goal from Shaun Johnson.
The game ended with Derby manager Coomes receiving a red card after a melee, however Derby held onto their lead for the last ten minutes.
Derby look to replicate this performance as they travel to Aston University for a pivotal bottom of the table clash in British Universities and Colleges Sports competition.
