“It is all about character for me” Derby vs Loughborough match preview

By Paddy Finnemore

Derby Futsal will be looking to book a play-off space with victory against Loughborough in this week’s huge clash in the National Futsal Series.

The Rams are coming off a convincing 15-1 victory against Trent Valley and are currently on a two-game unbeaten run. Sitting third in a four-way battle for promotion.

Loughborough is sitting pretty at the top of the tier two table. Three points ahead of second-place York and have already booked a place in the playoffs.

The opponents have some firepower on their side, Jack Evison is the dangerman. Scoring 12 goals in ten games for the club. Derby is not shy of some goals either, Joe Illston is the top scorer for the club with nine goals in six games.

With the end of the season in sight, Derby captain Pawel Tomczak gives his thoughts on the season and how his side has performed. “It has been a season of ups and downs for the club to be honest. I think we have a very strong squad and I feel we haven’t been able to take advantage of that due to injuries throughout the season, myself included. It has cost us as we haven’t been able to get into a rhythm of playing consistently together.”

“We need to focus on having a strong finish in the last game against a decent Loughborough side.”

Tomczak speaks highly of Loughborough, “They have always produced very good teams and players. They have contributed massively in the progression of futsal here in the UK.”

With the chance of promotion still on the cards, Derby’s number eight says what Derby needs to do to get the vital victory. “We need to play to our strengths which we have done for most of the season and make sure we play our game, rather than getting sucked into their game plan.

“It is all about character for me. I want to see a good response to a rather disappointing end to the season from our perspective.”

The captain does not play down the importance of victory and how big this game is for The Rams. “It is always a massive game against Loughborough. Let’s not forget that it is a local derby, we want to put things right and get the win.”

This game is huge for Derby, promotion is on the line, and nothing less than a win will do. After an inconsistent season, tomorrow is the day where they get the chance to right the wrongs and give themselves the best possible chance of playing in front of the BT Sports cameras next season.