BORO SAFE AFTER LATICS WIN

Fears of relegation were allayed on Sunday when Middlesbrough Futsal Club won for the first time since February against an improving Oldham Athletic side. The win comes very late in the season but signals Boro’s intent to return to the top next season.

Knowing that relegation was a distinct possibility and 4th place was all but out of reach, Shaw was happy to name the squad that won the British University Championships in March for the first time since then. It provided a welcome confidence boost ahead of the must win game and Boro started brightly with the five players who started the BUCS final taking to the field from the off.

Robbie Bettson opened the scoring and took his tally to 16, in his quest for the golden boot before excellent work by Sean O’Brien allowed Mikey Roberts to back heel in. Oldham were strong and hit Boro on the counter attack on a couple of occasions but trailed at half time by one goal.

Middlesbrough, knowing that second half performances have left a lot to be desired returned to the court in the second period and within five minutes the game was turned on its head. A mistake by Prosser allowed Oldham a two on one situation before they took the advantage and led 3-2 despite Shane Capell hitting the bar from a corner and having a couple of chances to finish. Bettson also hit the post, but Boro were patient and Sean O’Brien scored the equaliser.

Mikey Roberts then celebrated his call up to the Great Britain squad with a world class goal from a tight angle. He found space and hit a shot into the roof of the net to put Boro back into the lead and on their way to the three points.

Prosser continued his good scoring form and Saif Al-Harthi, playing his penultimate match for Boro scored a volley.

It was a welcome win for Boro as their league campaign threatened to be a disaster. A fourth place finish is now the target with Leeds only a point ahead going into the final game.

Former Boro star Ryon Leyshon’s Sheffield put one hand on the league title with a 6-1 win over Manchester.

Boro host Liverpool on Sunday in the final league game of 2009-2010. Kick off is 2pm at Thornaby Pavilion and entry is £2 adults, £1 kids. For more information go to BoroFutsal.com.




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