York Futsal returned to winning ways when they beat Manchester Futsal Club in Sunday’s Super League game.

Manchester started the brightest and after only a minute forced a smart save from Martin Michels in the York goal. On 4 minutes, Manchester took the lead, a quick break saw York caught short at the back and a smart finish from the Manchester player.

York drew level on 6 minutes. Daniel Pedras was fouled deep in the Manchester half and from the resultant free kick, a well worked move involving Roly Donoso and Martin Sowerby saw Robbie Bettson score smartly at the far post. Within a minute, York were ahead. Daniel Pedras intercepted the ball and played in Fabinho Almeida, who somehow managed it to toe poke his shot passed the defender and under the advancing goalkeeper.

Manchester were not beaten and over the next 5 minutes created good chances, hitting the post in the process and forcing Martin Michels into several close range saves.

Half-time: York Futsal 2 – Manchester Futsal 1.

The second half started with both teams pressing each other high up the court. The first chance of the half came when Daniel Pedras broke quickly but his cross was just behind the unmarked Matt Overton.

On 27 minutes Daniel Pedras rounded three Manchester players in a mazy run before hitting his shot straight at the goalkeeper. York extended their lead on 28 minutes with the best move of the game. Quick passing across the court from Matt Overton, Robbie Bettson, Fabinho Almeida and Daniel Pedras, saw Robbie Bettson cross first time for Fabinho Almeida to finish smartly from right in front.

On 31 minutes great pressure from Robbie Bettson saw him pinch the ball right in front of the Manchester goal, but neither Fabinho Almeida nor Ze Eduardo could add the finishing touch.

The game was end to end now, with both teams looking for more goals.  Tom Blackburn had a chance saved, and within a minute Martin Michels was blocking a chance at the other end.

With 3 minutes to go Manchester flew their goalkeeper and within a minute York had extended their lead. Fabinho Almeida intercepted the ball just inside his own D, and with the fly goalkeeper in the York half, calmly lofted the ball into an empty net to complete his hat-trick.

But this is futsal, and nothing is decided until the final whistle. Manchester piled on the pressure and scored 2 late goals, giving York a nervous last 30 seconds to hold on.

Full-time: York Futsal 4 – Manchester Futsal 3.

In conversation afterward, Coach Junior Roberti said, ‘Any game against Manchester is always hard and any points you get have to be earned. I was very happy the way we played and it shows that when we play well as a team, we get the result we deserve.’

Did you see the match day programme? You can read it online by clicking here. Would you like your very own copy emailed to you? Please contact us and we will happily email you a copy.

If you missed the game, or fancy having another view, you can watch the complete match by clicking here.

Please click on the individual photos to see larger versions.