There’s no sweeter feeling in football than thumping your local rival, but the game can mean more than three points.

Local derbies are ingrained into football folklore, and many times these feisty affairs can make or break or a team’s season. But why are these games so important to clubs?

1. It can start a season - Nothing raises morale more than a crushing of the local ‘enemy’. Countless times a team have produced a miraculous victory, and this has inspired them to push on in the league. Form goes out of the window in these games, and if you can keep a cool head and hold your nerve, a win could inspire the team to greater things.
2. Bragging rights - This benefit is for the fans. The city, county or region will only be one colour after the game. This gives the fans a major lift, and will result in more fans going to the upcoming games, improving support for the players, and giving the club a financial benefit.
3. It is a sign of intent- Beating your rival shows that you are up for big games; it shows a mental toughness in the team which proved that in the close, hard fought matches, your team can come out on top. The game can be referred to in future matches; it can be used for motivation for the players, and the opposition are wary that you are up for a fight.

Whether you’re pushing for promotion, or trying to stay in the league derby matches are vital for everyone involved. They are more than a match, more than three points and more than 90 minutes.

Do you agree with this? Let us know your thoughts on derby matches in the comments below!