BORO LOSE GROUND IN THE TITLE RACE

Middlesbrough Futsal Club’s title ambitions were dealt a blow on Sunday as they were held to a 6-6 draw away to Liverpool but manager Shaw is in good spirits after seeing the youngest ever Boro team come from 4-1 down to take a 6-4 lead.

A win would have moved Boro back into first place and they travelled with a small team of seven after Paul Smith and Mikey Roberts suffered injuries on Saturday. Bulmer, returning from a spell on the sidelines, played in an outfield role, with Dan Boswell getting a rare start in goal.

The first half was a tentative game, and Boro were 2-1 down having conceded two deflected goals, but the second half saw the tempo from both sides raised and it was Liverpool who capitalised on mistakes by Boro to take a 4-1 lead to the dismay of Shaw.

Off came Boswell, who wasn’t at fault, and on came Bulmer in his familiar position in goal. Almost immediately Middlesbrough had a goal back through Prosser, who has now scored in five consecutive league games and Kilbride and Rashid fired in goals to level the game.

Josh Philips, making only his third appearance at the tender age of 17 scored his first for the club and he then set up Robbie Bettson to go into a two goal lead. It was a remarkable turnaround, but Liverpool were always a threat with England international Tom Obasi on the pitch and he scored the equaliser with two minutes to play.

Both sides could have nicked it, bit it ended 6-6, a fair result for both sides and one that leaves Middlesbrough needing six wins from six to guarantee a place in the national finals.

Despite losing the initiative in the title race manager Damon Shaw is upbeat and praised his team’s effort.

“We’ve come away with a squad of seven, two goalkeepers and an average age of 19. The lack of experience showed, but we played some excellent stuff at times and the future of this team is exciting. We’re looking at a team that can be together for a long time, and it can only improve.

“We may have lost ground in the title race, but we’ll keep going and hopefully get a win on Sunday against league leaders Manchester at Thornaby Pavilion. The important thing is that we keep on growing and thinking about the long term project.”

Middlesbrough host Manchester on Sunday in what is a must win game if Boro are to reach the playoffs this season. The home support will be vital in the title race this season continued Shaw, “We played in front of 51 against Leeds. It’s not a lot, but when the crowd get excited it really does affect the players, so let’s see a good turnout again on Sunday!”

Tickets cost £2 for adults and £1 for kids with a family ticket costing £4. They can be bought online at BoroFutsal.com or you can pay on the day. The doors open at 1pm and kick off is at 2pm at Thornaby Pavilion.


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