UEL ran out 11-7 winners in their must-win game against the University of Essex at SportsDock on Sunday. The hosts needed three points to go level with City University, who have already played all of their games. However, UEL need to avoid defeat in this Sunday’s final-day clash against Queen Mary if they are to be crowned champions this season.
The scrappy fixture saw UEL go behind initially, and then surrender a 3-1 lead with two goals in quick succession from Essex just before half time. The second half saw UEL step up a gear, but Essex proved to be worthy opposition, keeping things interesting until the very end.
Awkward Encounter
A stop-start second half saw both teams reach their foul limit with a quarter of the game remaining, leading to five penalties in the last 10 minutes. Harman Sandhu dispatched two of his three efforts for the UEL, whilst at the other end, the Blues’ keeper Dan Grimes kept out both of Essex’s attempts. Despite the nature of the result, UEL boss Trevor Tamatave was grateful for the three points.
“I was very happy with the win. Essex University are a very awkward team to play. They troubled us in the first game and I knew they would be difficult in this game. I think both games we missed James (Rene) as he is really important in these physical games.”
“It’s been a long season and I am pleased with the team for developing a winning mentality. They are more than happy to fight and win ugly. Working hard for each and fighting for the win. Essex were determined and resilient which made it a competitive game. Harman (Sandhu) and Yacine (Rabia) were exceptional yesterday. Harman converted some important goals and Yacine worked hard up top in leading the line, defending and scoring some decisive goals. Dan (Grimes) made some excellent saves in both halves.”
Silverware in Sight
The hard-fought victory means that UEL only need a draw from their final game of the season to win the title, and having beaten Queen Mary 16-8 this year already, confidence will undoubtedly be high. It won’t be a walk in the park however, as Queen Mary sit just three points behind UEL and City, and despite not being able to win the league (based on their head-to-head record with City), they’ll undoubtedly be desperate to stop the Blues’ from claiming the title.
“We now prepare for our final game against Queen Mary University.” said Tamatave. “This is our final. Win, and we win the league. A draw will still do it but we want to end on a win. Nothing else. I believe we have been the best team in the league but we need to show this on Sunday. It’ll be such a great achievement to end the season top of the league and getting promoted to the BUCS First Division.”
This is the table as things stand:
UEL need just one point to secure the league title. Despite being ahead on goal difference, a loss would not be good enough for the Blues because of their head-to-head record with City. Despite both teams winning their home fixture, City’s 18-11 victory meant that they won by a greater margin, and as this is the same for their clashes with Queen Mary, a win for Sunday’s home side would mean the City take the title this season.
UEL will look to secure their title against Queen Mary this Sunday, with the game kicking off at 2pm at the Score Centre, Leyton.
