Courtesy: Grimsby Telegraph


Ben Mortlock helps England to double delight

Monday, March 12, 2012

ENGLAND ace Ben Mortlock helped the national futsal team to back-to-back victories over Switzerland.

The Grimsby-born 25-year-old started Friday's 3-1 win, and came off the bench in Saturday's 4-1 success.

The friendly games at Hereford's Royal National College for the Blind represented a chance for England's small-sided game's elite to show how far they have progressed.

And Mortlock, once a sports therapist and physio at Grimsby Town, was satisfied with the two wins.

He said: "Switzerland are a developing country like us when it comes to futsal.

"It was always going to be close, but the two wins has us at the top end of the developing countries now.

"When we play the more developed countries, for example France, there is a gap but we are catching those teams up a bit now.

"In Friday's game, I thought Switzerland were poor. They didn't really play very well and it gave us the chance to practice some of the attacking drills we have been working on in training. It was quite a straightforward win.

"But on Saturday they came at us and pressed us high up the court, making us change our game plan.

"We started to move the ball quicker and they couldn't handle us. We finished our chances and defended well and ended up with a better scoreline."

Mortlock, who now works for League Two outfit Barnet as a sports therapist, was pleased with his own contribution as he won his 30th and 31st international caps.

"I started the first game as I do most games because the manager trusts me and a few other regulars to give us a good platform for when changes are made.

"I didn't start the second game, but thought I played quite well when I came on.

"The manager was very happy with me at the end of the game.

"I didn't score in either match but I was involved in some of the goals."




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