FA Futsal Conference North
Sunday 28 February 2010
Manchester Futsal Club 4 Sheffield Futsal Club 4
Sugden Sports Centre - Manchester


Manchester Futsal Club kept in touch with the leading pack of teams in the FA Futsal Conference North following a dramatic finish to this close fought encounter with Sheffield FC Futsal Club. Manchester left it late to claw themselves back into the game when it seemed like Sheffield had all but condemned them to their second home defeat of the season. Instead they showed a never say die attitude which left Sheffield deflated and Manchester elated at the final whistle.

Manchester went into the game with a string of injuries with Schofield and Bradley ruled out during the week. Further bad news followed the night before the game with news that Richardson had broken his nose playing in a Saturday fixture. Despite these setbacks Manchester knew if they stuck to their game plan they would get the opportunity to test out a talented Sheffield side that had already defeated Tranmere in their last fixture.With so much at stake the first half began as expected with both sides unable to assert themselves and possession being at a premium.

Manchester were finding it hard to get into their rhythm and struggled to control the opening exchanges with passes going astray all too frequently. Sawae was doing his best to draw in the Sheffield defenders by using his strength and close control but his team mates were reluctant to join in and try and force an opening. This pattern of play continued until midway through the first half when Sheffield forced a number of corners that Manchester struggled to defend with any conviction. The home side failed to identify the warning signs as Sheffield began to test Magalhaes with a series of shots in and around the box which Ovechkin and Bond had to be on hand to clear away.

The breakthrough came when Manchester failed to block the pass into the pivot who somehow managed to a squeeze a back heal through a Manchester defender and Magalheas who was a helpless bystander as the ball trickled into the back of the net. Manchester to their credit responded and it was the in-form King who brought them level when he dropped off at the back post to slot home his fifth of the season three minutes before the break. For what the half lacked in quality, it was made up for with commitment from both sets of players as free kicks began to mount up. Manchester again lacked the composure to maintain possession with only a minute on the clock. A quick turnover resulted in Hamblin conceding the a foul that would gift Sheffield the opportunity to regain the lead from the 10 yard mark going into half-time. Manchester needed a life-line and they got it when Magalhaes advanced off his line to excellently block the driven free shot.

Manchester started the second half at a much higher tempo which Sheffield could not respond to. Head Coach Freitas had demanded more from his side in order to match Sheffield’s endeavour. This was Manchester’s chance to gain a foothold in the game but it did not materialise as they wasted several good openings and were further denied by the Sheffield goalkeeper who withstood several shots by making crucial blocks with his feet. Manchester’s exertions had taken their toll on the players and Sheffield sensed the opportunity to capitalise. Minutes later and Sheffield made Manchester pay when the ball found its way to the back post from a short corner for Leyshon to crash home from 6 yards. The Yorkshire side then seized the initiative although Manchester did themselves no favours when Magalhaes played a ball carelessly to the Sheffield forward who accepted the gift and happily lobbed the ball back into an unguarded goal. 1-3 soon became 1-4 as Sheffield extended their lead as Manchester capitulated in front of their home crowd.

The game looked all but over until an extraordinary last five minutes unfolded that may well be crucial when the points are added up at the end of the season. Indeed Manchester were given a further lifeline when Manna waltzed passed two Sheffield players on the left before deftly placing the ball over the onrushing keeper. Surely there could be no way back for Manchester.

What seemed like a consolation goal gave Manchester renewed hope, and when King drew a sixth Sheffield foul with two minutes to go, Ovechkin had the opportunity to bring Manchester back into the contest. Manchester’s captain stepped up to slam the ball into the bottom corner - finally the game was turning. Sheffield were now desperately trying to run the clock down but momentum was back with the home side as their spectators sparked into life to will Manchester forward for one last attempt to save the game. Manchester needed a hero and it was no surprise when King jinked inside in the final minutes to send the keeper the wrong way and shatter Sheffield’s hopes of a victory. The comeback was complete and a fair result of 4-4 felt like a victory for Manchester at the end.
Both sides had contributed to a thrilling encounter. Manchester will now hope for further fortune and the return to fitness of several key players for the trip to face Tranmere next week.

You will be able to catch up highlights actions on MFCTV soon! www.youtube.com/manchesterfutsal

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