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Battle of Britain in North East |
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Written by Kevin Bryant
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Saturday, 02 February 2008 |
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Published on 08/01/08 at 16:15:36 GMT by Admin
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The first North East England Futsal Cup for Under 16s took
place at the weekend [Sunday 6th Jan], at the University of Teesside. The
competing teams were Perth Youth Futsal, an experienced Scottish futsal team,
and Branksome School, Darlington, a team new to the sport, but wanting to learn
more. The main purpose of the event was to introduce futsal to junior players
in the area, kicking off a junior futsal program, being run by Middlesbrough
Futsal Club.
Perth, whose senior team won the Tees Valley Futsal Cup
last April, were always going to be favourites, but Branksome didn’t feel under
pressure and started off confidently, knocking the ball about well. It was
Perth who took the lead, despite conceding a couple of early chances. “Branko
FC”, the school’s adopted name for the day, hit back immediately and turned the
game on its head with two goals in quick succession. The hasty start was
typified when Perth levelled through Matt Gallagher in the 8th minute.
At 2-2, both sides looked to keep it tight and the game settled down
before another rush of goals before half time. This time Perth took the lead
and Gallagher bagged his hattrick. The game opened up and Branko equalised once
more with 5 minutes of the first half remaining. The newcomers were putting up
a good fight and playing some good futsal. It was, however, the experienced
Perth side that stormed into a three-goal lead just before half time with goals
from Michael Davies and Rhys Davies. 7-4
Perth virtually put the game
beyond doubt straight from kick off as Matt Gallagher scored his 4th goal to
make it 8-4. The down heartened Branko FC succumbed to 2 more sloppy goals,
which made it 10-4. They didn’t give up though, and only a man of the match
performance from Perth goalkeeper Michael Connelly kept the game out of reach
for the English.
It took a long-range effort from Branko’s star man,
Dion Sung to score one of two consolation goals for Branko, but their defence
was still to suffer as Perth took their total to 14 by the final whistle.
The real winner of the day was Junior Futsal in the North East. Despite
being on the losing side, Branksome School are keen to continue playing the
sport and several of their players have been asked to join Middlesbrough Under
16s, which is starting this month. This event will also spur on the development
of an Under 16s league and several future junior tournaments.
Damon Shaw
said: “After months of planning, I am happy to say that despite a few stumbling
blocks on the way, the event was a success and can only be a step in the right
direction. The kids enjoyed the match and as I suspected are chomping at the
bit to play some more, which will hopefully be within a few weeks. I saw some
good players from Branksome School who I am keen to have involved in the Boro
juniors, so all in all it has been well worthwhile. I must say a huge thank you
to Steve [Chatila, Perth Youth Futsal Manager] for making the effort in coming
all the way down as it was his dedication that made it go ahead in the end.”
If you want to get involved with Middlesbrough Juniors, go to
www.BoroFutsal.co.uk to find out more. |
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