Courtesy: Nouse - University of York Students Newspaper


Futsal firsts seize title in dramatic finale

February 23, 2012

Against the odds, York firsts emerged as league champions in a fairy-tale finish to the futsal season.

Despite securing all six of their available points in an 8-0 romp against Bangor and a resolute 5-3 victory over previous league leaders Northumbria, York’s first team’s success was indebted to a truly inspirational performance from their own second team who held Northumbria to a crucial 2-2 draw.

The seconds had done their homework, adopting high intensity tactics that were aided by home advantage and a full bench of substitutes. Despite going 1-0 down early, York responded with a ferocity that clearly rattled their opponents. This disruptive game plan soon came into fruition when quick feet from debutant Dan Collins allowed him to poke his team level. Continued pressure culminated in a second goal following some Jack Beadle trickery, eventually slotted into an open net coolly by Collins.

A frenetic first half that ended 2-1 to York was somehow topped by an even more spectacular second. York looked certain to extend their lead further as Collins surged through on goal only to be cynically scythed down by a dangerous tackle from the opposition keeper, fortunate to only receive a yellow card. The end-to-end action continued to torture the on looking first team, helpless on the side lines. Although York continued to create chances through Kreienbaum, Beadle and Collins, so too did Northumbria, who were only denied by the goalkeeping heroics of Freddie Robinson and a valiant last-ditch tackle from captain John Purdie.

However, York fortunes turned as controversy proceeded to reign. The previously faultless Ollie Harrison saw red after committing a foul as last man, and York’s bitter protests about refereeing consistency regarding the Northumbria ‘keeper’s earlier yellow fell on deaf ears. The inevitable occurred during the subsequent two-minute sin-bin and Northumbria broke on the counter to round the keeper and level the game at 2-2; but not before seeming to have taken the ball outside the limits of play to the anguish of the York players and spectators. York’s title hopes seemed certain to be crushed in the cruellest of fashions, but the seconds would prove their mettle as they doggedly hung on for a draw. After a superb reflex save from Robinson, and a fierce shot that fortunately fired across the face of goal, the final whistle blew to scenes of jubilation and relief. Astute tactics had been orchestrated beautifully, generating a breath-taking spectacle that ensured the first team’s fate would be in their own hands.

An inspired York first team proceeded to stylishly dismantle a helpless Bangor side who were probably flattered by the 8-0 score line in which York’s goalkeeper was the only player kept from the score sheet. York hoped to take this momentum into the final battle against Northumbria, which would determine the league title, and the accompanying reward of promotion and qualification to the upcoming National Trophy finals.

Northumbria almost caused York’s stride to falter from the start, but were prevented by a timely sliding challenge by York ‘keeper Jonny Sim. Regaining their composure, York soon broke the deadlock as an Ash Daly power-drive rocketed into the roof of the net. Continuing to pile on the pressure, captain Tom Day confidently doubled his team’s lead from the penalty spot following a hand-ball clearance on the Northumbrian goal-line. York’s goal was eventually infiltrated by a back-stick header as Northumbria fought back to bring the score to 2-1 at half time.

The second half opened up as both teams pushed on. Daly extended York’s lead twice only for Northumbria to reply each time through well-executed free-kicks. At 4-3, the game was in the balance. Both teams knew that a draw would be enough for Northumbria. But some smart thinking from Dom Hallas gave York the two-goal cushion they needed and deserved, prodding home a quickly taken free-kick whilst the opposition were busy contesting the referee’s decision. York could taste victory as they defended Northumbria’s desperate rush-goalie tactics with relative ease. The final whistle blew with the score at 5-3, ending a mesmerising day of futsal with York as deserving champions.

A euphoric captain, Tom Day, recognised the extraordinary achievement of both York sides, and was overwhelmed by the day’s performances: “I have never seen a team work so hard for each other, everybody played their part. This has been our goal all season and to fulfil it is a dream come true. We will carry this momentum forward into the Nationals and show the country what we can do.”

This extraordinary, last-minute triumph in the league leaves York Futsal firsts with realistic hopes of even greater success in the National Trophy finals at the end of term, and in the BUCS Northern Premier league next season.




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