In front of the biggest crowd of the season, Futsal Super League leaders, London Helvecia Futsal Club, visited York on Sunday 25th November trying to maintain their 100% record this season.  Boasting a plethora of international players, Helvecia were always going to provide a stern test for York.

York could have been ahead in the first minute when Tom Blackburn broke clear through, but his shot was well saved.  On 4 minutes Helvecia took the lead, when a long-range shot was cruelly deflected past Martin Michels in the York goal.

York’s best chance of the first half came when a solo run and fierce shot by Daniel Pedras struck the crossbar.  Helvecia were dominating possession but time and time again Martin Michels saved York.  On 17 minutes he somehow got across his goal and denied the Helvecia player from point-blank range.

York were defending brilliantly but were dealt a cruel blow seconds before the end of the first half when Helvecia scored a well taken breakaway goal.

Half time – York City FC Futsal 0 – London Helvecia Futsal 2.

The second half started much the same as the first, with the visitors dominating possession.  On 22 minutes Robbie Bettson couldn’t beat the keeper from close range, and a minute later Roly Donoso’s long-range shot flew just wide of the far post.

Helvecia extended their lead with 2 goals within a minute from quick counter attacking play.  On 27 minutes Martin Michels made an amazing triple save, diving bravely at the forward’s feet, only for the final rebound to end up in the back of the net.

On 32 minutes, York’s captain, Fabinho Almeida, had a free kick chance right on the edge of the D, but his audacious chip flew just too high.  Straight after this, Helvecia rounded off their scoring for the day with another well worked goal.

Full time – York City FC Futsal 0 – London Helvecia Futsal 5.

In conversation with Martin Michels after the game, he said, ‘We expected a hard game today, we had a very good first half but with two unlucky moments.  We gave it away from 2-0 to 4-0 within 2 minutes, and it’s always hard especially against a top team like that.’

Jamie Bettson said afterwards, ‘Tough game, Helvecia are a good side, disappointed we couldn’t get on the score sheet as we had some good chances in the first half but they kept the ball for a long time and made us run a lot.  Credit to them, they are top of the league, a quality side, so we can’t have too many complaints.’

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