Sheffield FC Futsal 4 v 4 Manchester

28.02.10, Sugden Sports Centre, Manchester

by Mark England-Woodcock

The stage was set for a great game of Futsal, with Sheffield FC entering the game as league leaders, having won 3 of their opening 4 games. Manchester, prior to kick off, being just three points behind Sheffield could go top with a victory.

The opening five minutes started with high quality passing and possession play from both teams without either side being too over adventurous in the initial stages.

Sheffield FC were first to break the deadlock on 13 mins when Akiyama played a classic Futsal ball that found Rocha in the pivot position, who proceeded to produce an excellent back heel finish for the goal.

Manchester were level on 17 mins however a neat exchange from the hosts, forced Puolamaki in the Sheffield goal into 2 fine saves. The resulting corner however resulted in a goal – the ball came straight through with a finish applied on the edge of the box.

Half Time 1-1.

After a cagey opening to the second half the game exploded into life after 31 mins when the ball broke to Garcia near the corner position, he picked out a great cut back ball to Tyrell on the edge of the box to slot home and make 2-1 to Sheffield.

A minute later Sheffield were up to 3-1 after a sloppy ball out of defence was intercepted by O’Neill who took one touch and then smashed the ball home with a great finish.

The game was now fast and furious with counter attack after counter attack from both teams. Sheffield were then in raptures after Garcia robbed the Manchester keeper of the ball and lobbed him from half way in the Manchester half to make it 4-1 to Sheffield.

With 7 minutes left the game look over and Sheffield missed opportunities to further bury their opponents, this gave Manchester, with nothing left to lose heart and they must be given credit for their full out assault that followed. An intercepted pass left Sheffield exposed and Manchester made it 4-2.

Within two minutes Sheffield committed their 6th foul and Manchester were therefore given a 10 metre penalty which was coverted by Ovechkin to make it 4-3. Sheffield were now hanging on with 3 minutes left and playing nervously due to their precarious foul count.

Manchester completed the comeback with 40 secs remaining a forward ball found the Manchester winger who cut in off the wing past two scrambling Sheffield defenders and produced a thunderous finish to level the tie 4-4.

An excellent game of Futsal from 2 teams who will surely be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Ultimately Sheffield leave with disappointment and frustration after letting the game slip from such a dominant position.
Next up is a home tie against last season’s champions Middlesbrough at concored Sports Centre (14th March 3:15pm KO) for Ticket info e-mail Futsal@sheffieldfc.com.



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