On Remembrance Sunday, York City FC Futsal welcomed Sussex Futsal Club to the York Sport Arena.  Sussex are the surprise package so far this season with 5 wins out of 5 from their previous games.

Sussex started like a team in form and were 2 up within the first 4 minutes.  Coach Junior Roberti called a time out and set about reorganising his team.  Huge controversy followed when great work from Fabinho Almeida saw his pass find Daniel Pedras wide.  His ferocious shot was part saved by the Sussex goalkeeper and appeared to go over the goal line, but the referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line and waved play on, much to York’s amazement.

On 14 minutes York finally got on the score sheet, when again great work from Daniel Pedras caused mayhem in the Sussex penalty area, and Robbie Bettson managed to force the ball home from close range.

As the game approached half time, Sussex piled on the pressure but York’s Dutch goalkeeper, Martin Michels, saved brilliantly on more than one occasions.  At the other end, Tom Blackburn went close, but again the goalkeeper came out on top.

Half time – York City FC Futsal 1 – Sussex Futsal Club 2.

The second half started very much like the first with Sussex dominating the ball, and really pushing York back.  But on 23 minutes, Tom Blackburn drew York level with a smart close range finish.  Sussex nearly retook the lead with some clever play but again Martin Michels made a fantastic double save at his near post.

York took the lead on 31 minutes when captain, Fabinho Almeida, scored with a thunderous volley from the edge of the penalty area.  Sussex responded immediately by flying there goalkeeper and for the next 3 minutes, York didn’t touch the ball.  After defending brilliantly York finally succumbed to the pressure and Sussex levelled.  Sussex continued to look for the win, and continued to fly their goalkeeper, putting York under huge pressure, and with 3 minutes to go scored two quick goals to finally win the match.

Full time – York City FC Futsal 3 – Sussex Futsal Club 5.

In conversation with Tom Blackburn after the game, he said, ‘We knew it was going to be a tough game and the danger was going to be in the middle of the court, so we tried to push them into one side but it didn’t quite work.  That said, looking back at last year, we are performing much better and have to be pleased with the team’s progress.’

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