Courtesy: Come on Boro


GRIMSBY 3 BORO 4

Middlesbrough snatched a last gasp winner after Grimsby fought back to three all, on Sunday, at the Gemtec Arena in Hull, to temporarily move second in the FA Futsal League North. Robbie Bettson bagged a brace, including the winner, after Jon Prosser and Sean O'Brien had helped Boro to a 3-1 half-time lead.

Boro were down to a bare minimum squad, with only five players fit until goalkeeper Alex 'Zico' Hindmarsh was taken ill on Sunday morning, further depleting the squad. Fortunately, Dan Boswell was able to step in at the last minute to aid Boro's plight.

Middlesbrough looked comfortable at half-time, leading 3-1 and looking like scoring more in the second half, but they seemed to rest on their laurels somewhat in the second half, which allowed Grimsby to get back into the game. At 3-1, the game was still wide open and two quickfire goals from the Seasiders gave them hope.

Boro turned it on in the final three minutes to reclaim all three points and go joint top with Sheffield who beat Tranmere 4-2 at home.

Boro Manager Damon Shaw was relieved to hear the buzzer at the end of the game, but feels it should have been more comfortable.

“At half-time we stopped attacking and that put us on the back foot. The breakaway goal never came, despite Jonny [Prosser] and Jason [Kilbride] coming very close and that allowed Grimsby to keep in touching distance." Shaw, said. "We could have wrapped the game up, but when Grimsby got back into it, we showed how much we wanted to win with an excellent finish to the match, especially as our heads could have dropped.

“Grimsby might have had a lot of possession, but so did we, and we were more effective with it. We always felt we had control of the game but it got a bit twitchy when they got the equaliser!

“With the injuries we had, this has to go down as a fantastic result and we’re in an excellent position now. The performance was good too which is pleasing as we’re improving every week.”

Middlesbrough take on Liverpool at home on Sunday 21st February and are hoping for your support at Thornaby Pavilion.

Lovemiddlesbrough will be on hand to give out merchandise and Boro will be wearing their new strip, sponsored by lovemiddlesbrough! Kick off is 2pm and entry is £1 under-16s and £2 adults. Visit BoroFutsal.com for more information.


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