This week in BUCS Football saw the return of the top tier for the majority of the men and the women after the Festive break. There was a lot riding on these games, despite them being the first matches for over a month. For the men in the premier tier, it saw the conclusion of the league season, with places still up for grabs right up to the final day. And for the women, the season getting ever closer to its’ climax means every point matters. Freshered has all the important information following this week’s games, including what this week’s matches mean for teams in the battle for both promotion and relegation.
Women’s Premier North
The only game in the northern tier of the women’s top league this week promised a lot of quality. It was first versus second, as Loughborough took on Northumbria. Loughborough‘s perfect record this season, winning all nine games, had already confirmed their place at the top of the table. Despite this, Northumbria did dampen the title celebrations somewhat, coming away with a 1-0 victory. This meant they finished the season only three points behind the league leaders, leaving Northumbria with a feeling of what if.
Women’s Premier South
Again, only one fixture in this league this week, with this match having important connotations at the top of the table. Portsmouth made the journey to Cardiff Met in search of their fourth win of the season. A victory would have seen the team from the South East move up to third. However, it was not meant to be, with Cardiff Met dominating in a 5-1 victory. This three points sees them take advantage of their game in hand, and head into the final game of the season now alone at the top of the table. Before the game, they sat level on points at the top with Bath, having played one less. The Welsh team’s impressive season seems set to earn them top spot in this edition of the Women’s Premier South.
Men’s Premier North
In the final round of fixtures, the relegation battle was still very much alive. Durham, who started the game bottom with six points, hosted local rivals Newcastle, while second-bottom Northumbria, sat one point above on seven, travelled to Loughborough. A win for Northumbria would be enough, with Durham needing their relegation rivals to lose, as well as a victory of their own. Durham were able to see out a close 1-0 win, which allowed them to leapfrog Northumbria. It is them who will now contest the relegation play-off, despite a dogged performance in their 3-2 loss. Potential opponents for this playoff look likely to be Nottingham, with the winner playing in the Premier North next season. Stirling capped off their impressive campaign, finishing top, with a routine 4-0 victory over second placed Nottingham Trent.
Men’s Premier South
There was more final day drama in the southern league of the men’s top tier. Both Cardiff Met or University of South Wales (USW) were at risk of facing the relegation playoff. Cardiff Met, with a two point advantage, knew a point against Swansea was enough to avoid the playoff. On the other hand, USW needed their Welsh rivals to lose, and a victory in their game against Exeter. In a dramatic turn of events, USW fought hard, earning a 2-1 victory, with Cardiff Met faltering at the final hurdle, losing out 2-1 in their local derby. With USW finishing the season on nine points, and Cardiff Met on eight, it is the latter who has to start preparations for the relegation playoff. Likely opponents look to be East London. Hartpury rounded off their first placed finish with a 0-0 draw against second placed Bath.
Result of the Week
Given the importance, result of the week goes to University of South Wales Men’s 1’s 2-1 victory over Exeter Men’s 1’s. The result saw the Welsh team maintain their place in the Men’s Premier South in dramatic circumstances.