Team Bath Futsal - Tranmere Victoria 5-3

Team Bath returned to National League action against Midlands League favourites Tranmere Victoria, winners of the Northern League in 2008. The game was vitally important for Bath as they slipped up against T.N.S in their first match.

The game started at a high tempo with both teams seeing lots of the ball and working their movements in and around the middle third of the court. Bath were aggressive in defending early on and the pressure paid off as they managed to score two fantastic goals
on the counter attack. Firstly, Carpenter intercepted a loose pass in his own half, he then drove forward and played Parkes on the right who passed it back post for Ingram to open the score. Within 2 minutes Bath made it 2-0 with Parkes grabbing another back post goal. This time Ciaschi and Jennings worked the ball well on the left and then crossing to find Parkes unmarked at the back post to slot the ball home.

Tranmere looked a little shocked by their opponents start and although they began having lots of possession they rarely threatened Dibben in the Bath goal, especially as Bath reverted to the diamond defence to make sure it was still 2-0 at half time.

At the start of the second half the game continued as the first half ended, Tranmere having more of the ball but Bath being more effective in both final thirds of the court.
However, with about 6 minutes gone in the second half Lee Jones (GK) uncharacteristically misplaced a pass to an opponent who broke quickly and worked the ball into the net against the run of play. Typically, Bath responded immediately as they began moving the
ball into the corners for Kitson and Ciaschi to create some openings from set pieces.
Firstly, Parkes almost found Jennings back post from a corner and then from a kick-in Carpenter found Parkes back post who took two attempts to score and restore the 2 goal lead.

Tranmere took a time out and changed tactics bringing on a flying goal keeper to put the pressure on Bath in the last 8 minutes or so. Bath sat back in the diamond and looked to defend strong, in particular debutant Kevin Green was awesome in defence. This worked
perfectly for Bath as Tranmere forced the issue too quickly giving the ball back to Bath too easily leaving an emply net for both Parkes and Kitson to help themselves to long range goals making it 5-1. The game was Bath's but frustratingly Tranmere scored two late
goals as Bath switched off which may be important later on in the season as the league is extremely tight and goal difference may play a factor.

It was a great win for TeamBath and sets them up nicely for Birmingham Tigers in their next match.

Team: Dibben (GK), Jennings (C), Parkes, Kitson, Green, Carpenter, Ingram, Ciaschi, Jones (GK)

Man of the match: Ian Parkes















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