Courtesy: Vital Football/York City


York City Futsal 5 Tranmere Rovers Futsal 5

York City Futsal are National League North Division Two champions after a thrilling 5-5 draw with their only remaining challengers Tranmere Rovers Futsal at the University of York Sports Centre.

The Minstermen determinedly fought back from a couple of goals down with Robbie Bettson, Fabinho Almeida and Miguel De Vicente (2) securing them a clear advantage; only for a very resilient Rovers to respond with three goals of their own while suddenly reclaiming the lead.

However, Victor Manuel struck a vital late equaliser to ensure a second consecutive title for head coach Junior Roberti and his still undefeated charges.

The second-placed visitors actually went very close to an opening goal with an early attempt beating goalkeeper Philip Codd but coming back off an upright.

City were requiring only a draw to definitely clinch the trophy and De Vicente instantly called the Rovers keeper into action; although his side fell into arrears when an effort narrowly evaded Codd and slipped over the line

Manuel then saw an opportunity to equalise, only to strike high and wide. But the unbeaten league leaders were suddenly caught on the break and conceded a second goal.

York really needed a reply before the break and got it when England international Robbie Bettson drove his tenth goal of the campaign into the bottom corner.

Goalkeeper Codd was straight into the action at the start of the second-half as the visitors looked to reclaim their earlier two-goal advantage.

However, Almeida soon volleyed an equaliser for the champions-elect following good work by De Vicente, who then slotted in at the end of a superb break to move his colleagues in front for the first time.

Nevertheless Codd soon came to the rescue again with another great save; but De Vicente then blasted his second of the afternoon into the top corner to make it 4-2 in favour of the home side.

Rovers certainly weren't finished, though, as their player cleverly evaded a couple of opponents on the right and despatched into the bottom corner - and almost immediately the same individual broke down the opposite flank and poked in an equaliser.

Resurgent Tranmere were soon only denied the lead by the woodwork while their title rivals themselves went close as the keeper reacted well. His opposite number Codd then blocked following a corner before the visitors blazed a penalty high and wide.

But a second penalty opportunity was soon handed to them - and this time accepted as they dramatically reclaimed the lead with only five minutes remaining.

Facing their first defeat of the season, York suitably rallied with Manuel levelling following some great approach work, before a couple of fine late saves from Codd deservedly guaranteed them a second successive league title.

York City Futsal: Philip Codd, Fabio Almeida, Jamie Bettson, Robbie, Bettson, James Briars, Victor Contreras, Joao Costa, Miguel De Vincente, Joe Iggulden, Dylan McAvoy, Adam Richmond, Frederick Robinson

Goals: Robbie Bettson, Almeida, De Vicente (2), Victor Manuel Contreras

Tranmere Rovers Futsal: Moued Abbassi, Ed Bryers, Javier Coleto Cano, Jordan Deer, Oscar Fernandez Perez, Edgar Fernandez-Perez, Vincente Fernandez, Lucas Gomez Meier, Jordan Parker, Jose Angel Pena Farina, Daniel Read

Goals: Javier Coleto Cano, Oscar Fernandez Perez, Edgar Fernandez-Perez, Jose Angel Pena Farina (2)



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