Middlesbrough start Super League strongly

Middlesbrough Futsal Club earned a good point away at Team Bath on Sunday in the opening game of the FA Futsal Super League, but could have had all three with Bath equalising in the last minute of the game, pegging Boro back from a 4-1 lead.

The Teessiders played a good game, taking a commanding lead in the second half, but fell to a spirited fightback from the home side who scored three goals in six minutes while playing fly goalkeeper to make it 4-4.

Texan Thad Taylor opened the scoring for Middlesbrough before Nacho de Leon scored his second Boro goal after linking up with compatriot Federico Fradl. Thad Taylor doubled his tally with a right footed finish through the 'keeper's legs and Mikey Roberts sublimely chipped the Welsh international to score his first ever finals goal.

Bath pulled the game back through playing fly goalkeeper and equalised controversially when Phil Codd was impeded trying to make a save for Ian Parkes' powerful strike with a minute remaining.

A point is a good result away from home in the Super League and Boro host London United at Thornaby Pavilion this Sunday hoping to gain the advantage in the race for a place in the semi finals.

Middlesbrough Futsal Club are urging the town to get behind the boys in the biggest ever game to be held in Teesside!

Kick off vs. London United is at 2pm and tickets cost £4 for adults and £2 for under 18s. For full build up and to buy tickets, visit BoroFutsal.com.


Middlesbrough 5 London United 4

Middlesbrough took a stronghold in group C of The FA Futsal Super League with a 5-4 win over London United at Thornaby Pavilion on Sunday.

Former Spanish under-21 international, Ernesto Casan was back in the squad, giving Boro a big boost especially with the late withdrawal of Sean O'Brien. Middlesbrough were on a run of 7 games unbeaten at home and have only lost one in seven since 13th January.

It took the hosts, spurred on by the passionate crowd, just 9 seconds to open the scoring as Uruguayan international de Leon won the ball back before shooting off the post for Thad Taylor to tap in his 15th goal of the season.

His compatriot doubled the lead shortly afterwards as he closed down a loose ball to the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net. Thad Taylor gave Boro a comfortable lead with a jinking run and finish into the roof of the net.

A solid first half saw Boro in a similar position to the away game in Bath and London United almost punished Boro in the same way with two early goals. However, a piece of magic from Mikey Roberts gave Boro a respite. London hit back and were fortunate to get their third - a shot from the right caught 19 year old Phil Codd by surprise and he uncharacteristically allowed the ball to squeeze into the corner. Roberts once again gave Boro a two-goal lead before London scored one with fly goalkeeper to set up a nervy final five minutes.

London had most of the ball, while Boro defended their lead, hoping for a break away into an open goal. With an extra player attacking, London were dangerous and would have scored the equaliser if it wasn't for a World class save from Phil Codd. Boro held out and sealed a vital three points.

""We improved a lot today from last week's performance away in Bath and I think we got a deserved win. It was tough, and we could have lost it like we did last week, but we took a lot from last week's game and held on against a very strong London side. We scored within 9 seconds, which was a great start but it could have been dangerous. However, we got the next two goals and went in 3-0 up at half time," said Damon Shaw.
"We lost a 3-goal lead last week and were wary not to do the same and I think the boys did incredibly well when London pressured us. Phil [Codd] made a couple of mistakes which allowed them back in, but we have to remember he's only played 10 or so games in the national league and he's only 19. He saved us right at the end though with a world class save and with three points in the bag, he'll be remembered for that.
"The fans were amazing and I think they were the difference between winning and losing today. They are an extra player, a boost to everybody.
"We play Team Bath at home in two weeks, but next week Team Bath and London play each other which could really affect the group dynamics so we'll have an eye on that."










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