FA Futsal National Super League

Sunday 21st January 2018 (5:30pm KO)

Cambridge University Sports Centre

FT: Cambridge United FC Futsal 6 – 3 Tranmere Rovers FC Futsal (HT: 2 – 0)

Goals – Alberto Morcillo, OG, Paulo Rodrigues, Angel Martinez, Justo Lopez, Monty Bouttell

Squad – Lino Cebey (GK), Chay Jakes (GK), Alberto Morcillo, Angel Martinez, Justo Lopez, Inaki Prado, Paulo Rodrigues, Monty Bouttell, Toby Hardwick ©, George Harlow, Greg Birch, Jonathan Tofts

Coach – Luis Mendonca

Mascots – Ronnie Leys (3), Swavesey Spartans, Mazza Futsal (Harlow) (and the Mayor of Cambridge!)

Attendance – 153

Cambridge United FC Futsal extend their FA Futsal National Super League winning streak

Having made the long trip up to Prenton Park and emerge narrow 4-3 winners the week before, Sunday saw Cambridge United FC Futsal host Tranmere Rovers FC Futsal in the FA Futsal National Super League return fixture at the Cambridge University Sports Centre in front of the largest home crowd of the season so far (which included the Mayor of Cambridge!).

Cambridge were full of confidence and looking to extend their good run, unbeaten in the last 5 matches with 4 wins and an unexpected draw against league leaders Reading Escolla. The Us were able to announce a full strength squad which included new signing Paulo Rodrigues for the first time.

Cambridge controlled the opening exchanges in what proved to be a cagey first half with United finally making the breakthrough through a well taken Alberto Morcillo goal. It stayed 1-0 until the dying seconds of the half when Tranmere were unable to keep out a well worked Cambridge free kick which was bundled over the line from close range to give the Us a fairly comfortable 2 goal lead at half time.

Cambridge came out and played with more purpose and intent in the 2nd half and were soon rewarded by a calm finish from Paulo Rodrigues on his debut to make it 3-0. This seemed to spur Tranmere on and they responded with a goal of their own to make it 3-1 but United responded almost immediately through man of the match Angel Martinez to restore their 3 goal cushion. Rovers weren’t finished however and scored again to peg Cambridge back to 4-2 despite a fine performance from Us keeper Lino Cebey.

By this time Tranmere had racked up the allowed 5 fouls per half with the next resulting in a 10m penalty which was calmly dispatched by Justo Lopez and his trusty left foot to make it 5-2 to Cambridge. United seem to lose their normal intensity briefly and were punished by another avoidable Tranmere goal to make it 5-3 but Us youngster Monty Bouttell put the game out of reach with a fine finish to make it 6-3 which was how the match ended despite Rovers ‘going fly’ for the last few minutes which United defended with discipline.

Another fine win for the Us was only marred by a bad injury to Inaki Prado midway through the second half which resulted in a long stoppage while he was treated and was able to be taken to hospital. Coach Luis Mendonca will have been proud of how his players maintained their focus after this and Cambridge United FC Futsal fans will be relieved to hear that Inaki has now been released from hospital, albeit on crutches and facing a long spell out of action. We wish Inaki a speedy recovery.

This deserved result keeps an improving Cambridge United side in 5th place in the FA Futsal National Super League with the other results going to form.

The FA Futsal National Super League fixtures now stiffen for United and they now travel to 2nd place Birmingham Futsal next Sunday 28th January 2018 before entertaining York City Futsal at the Cambridge University Sports Centre on Sunday 4th February 2018. Cambridge and Birmingham know each other well whilst Cambridge very narrowly beat York in the play off finals 2 seasons ago so both are sure to be close fought affairs.

Location

Cambridge University Sports Centre