Jacob Loydall reports from Kedleston Road
Hat-trick hero Dan Roberts was pleased with University of Derby 5s’ performance against University College Birmingham.
Derby Men’s 5s secured an impressive victory over the visitors after two trebles, a spectacular half-volley and three red cards at Kedleston Road.
This win takes them through to the next round of the Midlands Conference Cup.
Roberts felt the team persevered and kept going even after chances did not go their way.
He said: “It was brilliant, we just kept playing our football.
“They weren’t the greatest opposition but we’re ecstatic to keep our own game up and get the win.”
In a game with 12 goals, Sam King scored the undisputed goal of the day after a sweetly struck half-volley from the edge of the box found the top right-hand corner.
Roberts was the first to complete his hat-trick after two smart finishes and an “unsavable” free-kick, before Jackson netted three one-on-ones.
With the win all but secured, goalkeeper Olly Winkless stepped up to convert a late penalty for the final goal.
The Derby No 9 thought that his hat-trick did not show the full picture.
He added: “My first goal [I] didn’t catch it brilliantly but sometimes they’re the ones that go in.
“As for the second, Owen [Hancock] made it. He showed real determination to pull it back and the free-kick, it was unsavable,” he joked.
Substitute Jonny Senior scored two goals off the bench to send Derby through to the next round of the Midlands Conference Cup.
Roberts emphasised: “Of course we’re pleased to go through to the next round.
“It’s always nice to get a cup run going to keep the matches coming, especially as we’re part of the smallest league.”
Derby’s next game sees them travel to face University of Staffordshire Men’s 2s on Wednesday, November 18 as they look to build on their first win of the season.
