LincSport spoke to Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) left-back Toby Hatcher about what to expect from last year’s runners up and their hopes for tomorrow’s Cathedral Cup fixture.
Name: Toby Hatcher
Position: LB/LM
Cathedral Cup Appearances: One
Supports: Ipswich Town
Aspirations: High level Football Coach/Teacher
Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Toby Hatcher feels his side are more prepared this year to go the distance and take all three points in the Cathedral Cup.
BGU led the University of Lincoln’s side until the 64th minute when Matt Cunliffe was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty which Lincoln converted. Lincoln later went on to win 6-1.
Hatcher believes that the key to their success will be their improved fitness and discipline, both of which will be enhanced by the experience in their team.
“This year we’re a lot fitter than we were last year and maturity levels will be key too,” he said.
“We need to not blow ourselves out after 65 minutes and learn from last year so we should be alright. I’m looking forward to it.”
Hatcher is hoping to impress his dad who will once again travel all the way from Suffolk to see him play.
He also hopes that his playing will inspire his brothers into starting university but unfortunately due to it being midweek, they’re unable to attend.
Hatcher said: “I wanted my brother to come up to see what it’s like to represent your university and play and the opportunities that you get. I would definitely recommend it.”
“He’s from a football background but the other one was interested as well. He’s not very sporty at all but he would’ve loved to have come.”
Most of the BGU squad have got history in academy set ups with Hatcher himself playing in the Surrey Elite academy up until 11 years old.
Others have played in Nottingham based academies and Callum Ward, the president of the team has been a member of Lincoln City and currently plays for local team Lincoln Utd.
Reflecting on last year, Hatcher revealed that the warm up was his favourite part and that the key to success for any new players would be to treat it like a normal league game.
“The warm up is the best and when you get back in it’s a bit nervous but as soon as I’m out there I try and block it all out and not forget the event,” said Hatcher.
“I try and play like it’s a BUCS Wednesday but that can be hard at times.”
“We haven’t had as much time to prepare but obviously we’ve all been off doing our own separate things.
“I don’t think anyone is as nervous as last year and hopefully we can do the job on Wednesday.”
Hatcher also admitted he’d love to win so he can have the bragging rights over his friends at the University of Lincoln
“I’ve got a couple of mates at the University of Lincoln and every time I walk in I have to see that trophy in that cabinet and it hurts a little bit,” he said.
“So, it’ll be nice just to leave university with that trophy.”
You can see the University of Lincoln and BGU compete for the Cathedral Cup tomorrow evening at Sincil Bank. Kick off is at 19:45pm.