With the winter upon us and after a bumper Christmas it was time for the Colts to step inside for a winter FUTSAL league.
In preparation, Coaches Kev and Mark had been on a course and the Colts had spent a whole training session playing futsal to get used to the rules. Ian brought previous experience to the coaches table which was invaluable. Some could ask if that was enough. After a few minutes of this match, that question was not asked again.
Arriving early for the very first game of the FUTSAL winter league there seemed to be a great sense of anticipation from the Supports. It soon became apparent that a café and seats was the big draw here.
Keen and primed and with little time to properly warm up the Coaches had to trust the Colts to just do their thing.
No panic. Within minutes, despite conceding an early goal the Colts looked strong. Playing in Bibs to stop a kit clash the Colts started brightly. It was soon evident that the game would be fast paced, end to end. Finn, back in goal (after some persuasion), made some early saves and trademark out of the box clearances. It was great to see the Blonde shot stopper back between the posts. He came out and spread himself well in trying to stop the Meresiders Attack but the ball just slipped under his out stretched foot. 1-0 Meresiders.
Had the Colts been caught cold, had they had trained enough, had they been told enough about FUTSAL. No drama, within seconds of the KO a quick kick in led to Cole striking wide. The Colts knew what they were doing. Illustrated, by an almost identical attack seconds later.
It seemed the Colts had been given instructions to show some Skills. First from Ryan as he jinxed right and left before Matty intercepted a GK pass out and struck a half volley just over. Tekkers from the Colts drew applause from both sets of supports.
Finn kept the score down before Matty intercepted another GK pass out to make it 1-1. A great example of how to press in FUTSAL.
Ryan kept pushing forward and stuck the post following another interception.
Cole ‘scooped’ one and hit the bar. For a moment we paused to see if we were in Shrewsbury Sport Village or the beaches of Brazil. Proper skills on display here.
Now, straight from the (*cough) training ground Freddie swung in a corner for George to tuck home. 1-2.
Jack was now on and on a smaller pitch can be used as a perfect example of the increase in touches in a match of FUTSAL compared to outside. His usual battling led to the ball breaking to George who struck just wide.
James was now in goal and showed great composure in closing down and clearing.
Back to the training ground and this time George knocked one in for Freddie to slot home. A favour repaid 1-3.
George began to express himself and showed some great touches, turns and drag backs. One such touch set up Jack who shots was saved.
Will, not showing any signs of the flu he had suffered with over xmas cleared well and turned defence into attack setting George in one on one. A great saved thwarted a great move.
It had been too long since the Colts showed their training (!!!) and another corner by Freddie led to a now predictable result. George slotting home again. The coaches were by now having to concede that they couldn’t take the credit for these corners. The lads had worked it out for themselves. A proud moment for all those involved. 1-4.
Ryan, back on showed great promise down the wing from a break of the ball and having got within range shot across the keeper to net a well deserved goal. 1-5.
A kick in led to Finn passing to Cole to Ryan who shot wide. Another round of applause followed a great team move.
Pausing for a moment the Colts momentum got stopped in a busy few minutes for the meresidee menaces. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang it was now 5-5.
Unfortunately the Colts had let them back in with some of their choice of clearances. The colts had benefited early to some miss-placed passes early on and this showed that it can happen to any team. A combination of poor passed and fast pressing led to some sloppy goals conceded.
The Colts had their moments to extend their lead and maybe stop the menaces in this period. Finn tried a back heel, Ryan and James struck two great free kicks and Finns deflected shot was well saved. Jack also had a shot saved.
Into the last 10 minutes and at 5-5 the Colts had to show character. Aided by a strong bench against a team who had limited rotation the tide began to shift back in the Colts favour.
George showed some great skill to carve out a chance. 5-6.
Matty now playing in goal kept the Menaces at bay and his clearance went all the way upfield. Their GK then miss-placed his pass out to George to slot home. 5-7.
Will wanted to get on the act and playing further forward than usual intercepted to sneak in and make it 5-8.
He did the same seconds later. Scrambling his way through he made it 5-9. A brace in as many minutes as the game drew to a close.
Great start to the FUTSAL league.
Match Highlights
1. Finn back in goal, trying a back heel and conceding a free kick for blocking the GK pass out.
2. Freddie on set plays and tackling much harder
3. Matthew saving another one on one
4. Cole playing further forward and staying around the ball.
5. Jack getting more touches than ever before
6. Matty nicking goal and making some important saves and an important time
7. George with his tekkers and is set plays
8. Ryan looking like a proper footballer
9. Will scoring a speedy brace
10. James running down the wing, taking on player after player
Things to work on for next week
Decision making for pass outs and kick ins. If in doubt kick it as far as you can.
Press, Press, Press
FINN
Another strong quarter in goal,. He really does look comfortable in goal and takes up some great positions.
Playing further forward his nippy pace put him in some great places. Always stayed around the ball but needs to be stronger in the tackle. Always looks for a pass. Developing well as an outfield player after playing a lot in GK.
