MIDDLESBROUGH LOSE TO RIVALS LEEDS

Boro fall to a disappointing 10-5 defeat to rivals Leeds on a snowy day at Leeds University

Middlesbrough suffered an early season set back as they fell to a new look Leeds side at Leeds University on Sunday.

A goal within 11 seconds set Leeds on their way to a repeat of their home win over Boro last season and within two minutes they had a three goal lead. Every shot they hit seemed to go past the hapless Peter Bulmer in goal including an own goal from Jason Kilbride after a shot from Mat Payne.

Leeds had opened up an unassailable 9-2 lead at the half time break in what Damon Shaw described as “the worst 20 minutes of futsal he has ever seen from his side.”

Josh Poyser and Sean O’Brien both doubled their Boro tallies with consolation goals in the first half but the half time break couldn’t come soon enough.

A change of tactics and change of mentality in the second half saw Boro come out all guns blazing and they managed to give Leeds a scare, scoring two early in the second half through Pete Bulmer and Jason Kilbride. Leeds scored their tenth as Chris Bivens lost the ball while Bulmer was out his goal, but Boro pushed on.

They got the fifth through Robbie Bettson and there was 10 minutes remaining and Leeds were looking worried at Boro’s fight back.

Belief had seeped back into the Boro players and they could sense an amazing comeback.

It wasn’t to be however, and Leeds held on for the remaining 10 minutes to seal a win and extend their unbeaten start to the league season.

Manager Damon Shaw said after the game, “We were embarrassing in the first half. To concede nine goals to any team at this level isn’t acceptable, let alone in 20 minutes. We all have to take responsibility and learn from it and not let it happen again. The second half showed that we can play, but we didn’t do enough to worry them – we had 10 minutes at 10-5 and failed to score even one more, which is disappointing.”

Boro’s next game is away at fierce rivals Tranmere Victoria and they will be looking to bounce back with a win and put their season back on track.

Meanwhile, the under-18s trials continue on Friday at Middlesbrough College. Trials will continue every Friday until Christmas, with a team of 12 being chosen after the holidays to represent Boro in youth competitions.

For more information about how to get into futsal go to www.BoroFutsal.com.


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