Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool

Middlesbrough welcome Liverpool to Thornaby Pavilion on Sunday looking to build on newfound momentum.

After tasting defeat to Sheffield on the opening day, Boro kick-started their season last week with a productive squad trip to Malta featuring solid performances against the Maltese national team. They also gained their first win of the FA Futsal League season with a 9-0 dismissing of Hull at the Bonus Arena.

Sunday sees the return of Theo Furness to the squad having returned from a spell playing football in the Icelandic top flight. Furness’ return comes as Australian Corey Smith heads home having played his last game for the club.

Boro sent a youthful team to Humberside but the scoreline is sure to cause manager Damon Shaw some very welcome selection headaches.

New signing Jack Bradbury wowed fans with an impressive debut and a Hull hat-trick for Ryan Harker tied him with Thad Taylor atop Boro’s scoring charts. Both are pushing for inclusion again this Sunday.

Mature performances from Sean O’Brien, Sam Gallego and Albert Torres were too much for Hull to handle and all will be involved again against Liverpool.

Goalkeeper Phil Codd impressed in Malta under the tutelage of Rui Fernandes whilst Dan List shrugged off a broken finger to shut out Hull.

Whilst the young ‘keepers are progressing well, Sunday will see them line up against a former Boro hero. Elliot Brown was Boro’s number one for two seasons and quickly became a fan favourite before moving back to his home club at the end of last season.

Brown’s team mates have enjoyed a solid start to the season, beating Leeds & Wakefield and Hull with their only defeat coming at the hands of last season’s champions Manchester.

Liverpool have been in free scoring form this season and with 24 goals in three games Boro manager Damon Shaw knows the Merseysiders will prove a great test for his young lions. He said:

“Liverpool have benefitted from Tranmere folding and they were always contenders so we’ll have to be at our best to win this game. We have started reasonably well but we haven’t discovered anything yet with the two previous results. On Sunday we will see where we are in terms of competing this season.”

Boro vs Liverpool kicks off at 2pm at Thornaby Pavilion with tickets priced at £4 adults, £2 children but come early for a Subbuteo demo as NETFA Teesside will be there to show you top level Subbuteo!






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