Middlesbrough Futsal Club went three points clear At the top of the FA Futsal League North with a 4-1 win over Leeds team FC Barsa in Sheffield on Sunday. Boro witnessed Sheffield FC throw away a 6-1 lead to lose 6-7 to Loughborough University in the game at 14:50, so went into the game knowing a win would open up a three-point lead.

The Teessiders started strongly and kept possession well. Withers, Armes, Kilbride, Hamblin and Wootton started and proceeded to play the ball around with confidence, pinning Barsa back for periods in the first half. A couple of clear shots on goal from corners were wasted before Wootton opened the scoring, his sixth league goal of the season. Boro dominated but struggled to break through the sturdy Leeds defence and when Barsa won a free-kick 10m out, they had their first real opportunity. Some slack marking allowed Masood Khalighi-Sohi to be free at the far post and he slotted home to equalise.

All level at half time but Boro knew those missed chances would become goals with patience. Minutes after the restart Robbie Bettson broke free down the right before pulling the ball back across goal for Seaham teammate Lee Armes to restore Boro’s lead.

Jonny Pennock scored Boro’s third, to round off a solid debut. He pounced on a loose ball and toe poked beyond the ‘keeper. Inevitably Barsa upped the pressure and created a few more chances in the second half, but Withers, supported by some last ditch defending, kept out Boro’s Yorkshire rivals and held onto a two goal cushion.

Immy Rashid scored Boro’s fourth with a fine turn and toe poke finish with a minute remaining to seal the victory and top spot in the league.

It was far from a classic performance but a vital win for Boro nonetheless. With Sheffield slipping up Middlesbrough are now three points clear and in a very strong position to qualify for the FA Futsal Cup finals (top two after 17th May qualify directly for the last 16) and will be confident of pushing on in the second half of the season for a playoff place.

Boro travel to Manchester on 19th April for the next national league game knowing a win will send Boro into the FA Futsal Cup finals. Find out more about Boro’s good start to the season at BoroFutsal.com.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com