Manchester prepare for the run in with a classy win

Sunday 30 July 2008

Manchester Futsal Club - Middlesbrough 11-4

Hillsborough Leisure Centre


After a subdued appearance at the FA Futsal Cup Finals in Sheffield in early July where Manchester struggled to come to terms with the tournament format the squad were keen to get back to league action where they have found their best performances of the season. ‘The FA Futsal Cup experience was a bit disappointing, I think we learned a lot about the players over the few days and for us it was a chance to compete against some teams we hadn’t come across yet. We would have liked to have gone further in the competition but our priority has to be making it into the play-offs in the league’ commented General Manager Simon Wright.

However, getting back to the league has been another frustrating experience with games against Hull and Grimsby being postponed due to venue arrangements and Grimsby pulling out of the league. The two 5-0 wins for Manchester were no real consolation for not playing the games.

This placed more emphasis on the game versus Middlesbrough and the chance to take back second place from Sheffield FC who were playing at Hull. Middlesbrough had been comfortably beaten in the early season but with news of a rebuilding process underway at Middlesbrough the away team fielded a much changed side. The Teesiders stated their intent from the outset by going with 5 outfield players in an attempt to put pressure on Manchester from the first minute. The plan nearly backfired spectacularly when Richardson broke clear only to be pulled back by the makeshift keeper in what was a blatant attempt to deny a goal scoring opportunity. With a red card seemingly the only option Manchester were left baffled by the referee’s failure to produce a card. Following the disputes Manchester failed to settle but made the breakthrough when Reed burst into the box having been found by a neat Ovechkin cross to finish high into the net. Middlesbrough were soon level when a mix-up in the home defence allowed Boro to poke home an equaliser. To there credit this inspired the team in pink and Allen had to save several times to prevent them taking the lead.

That was the closest the Middlesbrough came to threatening and after their slow start Manchester were soon into their stride as the goals started to flow in. Reed was showing the way from the back by making his driving presence in the box felt by slotting home his and Manchester’s second. The game continued to go from end to end but Manchester were able to find passes through the middle to Richardson who made a difference following his return to the team at pivot. The tricky Brazilian Balan got back to scoring ways as Middlesbrough were left standing as Manchester moved the ball at pace and Balan stroked home the third. Richardson marked his return with a goal as Manchester gained control of the game to lead 4-1 at half-time.

The second half continued with more Manchester dominance as the lack of fitness from the new Middlesbrough recruits started to show. Not to be outdone though they were the first to capitalise after the break as Manchester over committed men forward and were caught on the break. Conceding such a week goal and obvious defensive frailties frustrated Manchester Coach Rodrigo and he responded with some immediate changes. The game came to life again when out of the blue Manna lashed home a sweet volley past the rooted GK which brought the Manchester bench to its feet in celebration. Reed again showed his attacking prowess with a mazy run past four Middlesbrough players before slotting home as Middlesbrough began to look a beaten side. Reed was to go on and claim another to take his tally to four, showing the kind of form that has seen him break into the England F30 squad recently. The goal of the game was left to Manna as he bagged a brace with an audacious chip over the onrushing GK, a touch of class from the Portuguese winger.

Middlesbrough rallied and again showed that they may have a stronger side in next year’s league, but the final score confirmed the gap in class between the two sides as Manchester improved their already impressive goal difference to plus 51 with an 11-4 victory.

Overall it was a resounding and confidence building performance going into the August break where the team can now concentrate on the Umbro International Futsal Cup in Manchester before commencing battle with Sheffield FC in the next game in the fight for the second play-off place. However, more good news was to follow on the teams return to the North West when news filtered through that Hull had sprung a surprise 7-5 victory over Sheffield FC. That result mean Sheffield now have to beat Manchester to stand any chance of going above them with two games to go.





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