Middlesbrough Futsal Club got back to winning ways with a 12-4 defeat of Leeds rivals, FC Barsa. The last win the FA Futsal League – North came way back in March against FC Grimsby, which kept Boro on top after two matches. The league looks a lot different now; with Boro playing for pride languished in 6th place after a run of eight defeats. Middlesbrough who have had a heavy student influence, suffered when 4 players graduated and moved home. A recruitment drive to find the most talented futsal players in Teesside is now underway and in the 12-4 victory, debutant Imran Rashid bagged a hattrick after impressing in an open trial.

It was, however, the familiar face of Ryon Leyshon, who kick started Boro’s new era with a superb individual goal. He broke away from deep in his own half and flew past two Barsa defenders before finishing to the far post. Leyshon, who was handed the captain’s armband for the first time, went on to score another 4 goals in the match, rounding off a performance that could earn him the captaincy full time.

It was 5-1 leading up to half time, before a goal fest, ended the half 7-3, with Boro also missing two 10m penalties. In futsal, every foul committed after the 5th results in a free shot from 10m. Kilbride stepped up for the first, but struck the angle of post and bar. A minute later, Lee Armes hit one low, which was saved by the goalkeeper. Andrea Ruani, former Italian Serie C player, scored the goal of the game just before half time; a quick exchange of passes resulted in a dinked ball through to the Italian, who volleyed home past the flailing keeper.

A top class first half performance pleased manager Damon Shaw and it was a relief for Boro to hold a comfortable lead in the league for the first time since they defeated Barsa 10-1 in the reverse fixture.

Barsa predictably piled on the pressure in the second half and duly scored first from 6 metres after Kilbride committed a foul in the area. New goalkeeper James Grey was unable to stop the powerful shot, but did keep Barsa out for the rest of the half, while at the other end, Boro were creating chance after chance on the counter attack.

The big win has come too late to rescue Boro’s season, but eyes are firmly on preparing a squad for next season and the performance put in at the weekend bodes well for Boro Futsal. The process of building a squad for next season is ongoing and trials will take place over the next few months. You can find out about trials first by going to www.BoroFutsal.com

Players and volunteers are also required for Middlesbrough Futsal Club under-12s, who will start training in September. For more information email damon@borofutsal.co.uk

Team line-up:
Grey, Armes, Kilbride, Prosser, Hamblin, Leyshon, Rashid, Ruani, Clifford.

Goals:
Leyshon 5, Rashid 3, Hamblin, Ruani, Prosser, Armes






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