After securing his first call-up to the varsity team for the University of Gloucestershire, winger Ethan Cawley is already aware of what this game means to everyone involved.
“I’m really excited for the upcoming match, obviously I wasn’t involved last year, but I did attend the match last year against Hartpury.
“It’s clearly a positive event to be a part of; a really nice day out for everyone. We didn’t get the win last year, but I’m hoping in my first involvement to get a win.”
Following a 1-0 defeat in last year at the hands of Hartpury University in the varsity, Gloucestershire are making the 28-mile trip north to the Worcester Arena.
The home side have had extreme recent success, with their first team clinching the Aldi Men’s Midland Tier 3A title in February. Despite this, Cawley’s belief in the team is still as strong as ever.
“I’m very confident we can get the job done on the day. We know it’s not going to be an easy game.
“But it’s not important about them, we just need to focus on what we do well, practising, getting everything prepared in the right way.
“And I’m sure that, with the camaraderie of the lads, we’ll be able to get the job done.
“I’ve always been a fan of playing against the best players, to try and improve myself – I like the challenge. I’m only excited going into these games.”
The sides have not faced each other for two years now, with the University of Gloucestershire winning on penalties after extra-time in 2021, and again in the following year, by a narrow 1-0 margin.
A third straight win would be a monumental statement for the University of Gloucestershire, and Cawley is well-aware of the importance of winning this match.
“Looking at the match as a derby, I know over the years we’ve had a big rivalry with Worcester. Two local unis. I know it’s important, especially for the lads who have been here for longer, to get one up on them.
“We’ve seen a little bit of what they can do, we’re really hoping to get the better of them on the day.”
Cawley’s recent call up to the varsity squad has been merited, after moving from the second team as their top goalscorer into the first team for this year’s season. The 20-year-old reveals his hard work is paying off.
“On a personal level, I always just go about my routine the same way before every game.
“I always stay calm and remind myself I got to this position by doing what I do best, and that I need to have faith in my ability.”
The University of Gloucestershire’s first team came out as 4-2 winners at Solent University in Southampton on Wednesday, with Cawley assisting two goals on the day.
Next week is an opportunity for the University of Gloucestershire to bounce back from their previous varsity struggles against the University of Worcestershire two years ago. Tickets to this game can be found here.
