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Tranmere's FA Final woe

Tranmere Victoria finished runners-up at the FA National Futsal Finals.

The five-a-side club were beaten in the final by Team USSR at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Sunday (June 20).

Tranmere had high hopes of clinching the title after beating former champions Sheffield Hallam in the semi-finals. But they struggled to overcome London-based Team USSR, who will now represent England in the 2005 UEFA Futsal Cup.

Dermot Collins, the FA National Development Manager for Small-Sided Football, said: "Tranmere did very well to reach the final and should feel very pleased with what they achieved. They finished top of their group and went on to beat a decent side in Sheffield Hallam. I am sure they will return to the finals next year and try to do even better."

As consolation, Tranmere's Jay Corran was the tournament's joint top scorer with 13 goals.

Teams from across the country took part in the finals, with Tranmere qualifying from the Wirral regional league.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn was in attendance to present Team USSR with the winning trophy. Santos were third and last year's champions Sheffield Hallam finished fourth.