Crunch time for Boro

Middlesbrough Futsal Club are on the verge of winning the FA Futsal League North this Sunday, but standing in their way are title rivals and FA Futsal Cup finalists Loughborough University as the two teams meet in the biggest game of the season at Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield.

Middlesbrough have led the way for the majority of the season, losing only once and now sit two points ahead of Loughborough University going into the final game of the season. A draw would be enough to seal the title for the Teessiders, while Loughborough need to win to pip Boro over the finishing line.

Both sides have already secured a place in the national playoffs, which take place at the end of October against the best two teams from the South and the Midlands leagues, but the North League winner will avoid FA Futsal Cup winners Helvecia, the favourites to retain the title and complete a historic double double.

Damon Shaw sees winning the league as not only an opportunity to get a favourable passage in the playoffs, but to reward the players for a long season’s hard work.

“Of course we’d prefer to avoid Helvecia in the playoffs, but we want to win the league for the club and for the town. The players deserve it for all the hard work they’ve put in from day one, but we still have to go there and do the job. Loughborough have had an outstanding season, reaching The FA Futsal Cup final and I have a lot of respect for their team. They will also feel they deserve it, so it’s going to be a cracking game.”

“We’ve got the leeway and it means Loughborough will have to come at us, but the nature of futsal won’t allow us take anything for granted.”

Shaw has a strong squad to choose from, which is a stark contrast to the last time the teams met in February when Boro came out on top with only one substitute.

“It (the 7-5 win over Loughborough) will be a game to draw inspiration from, as will the whole season. Every player has played an important part so far, and I’m happy that I have my biggest selection headache for the most important game of the season. Whoever is on the pitch will give 100% for Boro, I’m confident of that. We are aware of their threats, but if we play our game we can bring the title back to Teesside.”

The game kicks off at 13.15 at Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield and is free to watch. Any Boro fans heading to Yorkshire for the weekend are being encouraged to pop in and show their support.

Boro vs.Loughborough University
FA Futsal League North
Kick off: 13:15
Sunday 27th September, 2009
Hillsborough Leisure Centre
Sheffield, S6 2AN
FREE ENTRY









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