Willows Valiant win Monday League Futsal Cup

GFL

Monday League Cup 

 Willows Valiant 2 Fulstow Rovers 0  
 

 Credit to both teams and senior match referee Dean Gladwell for yet another brilliant Monday night match.

Both teams had an obvious respect for each other, each aware the damage one careless defensive lapse could reap. For me futsal is at its best when teams are so evenly matched that they are fighting over crumbs. 

Valiant went into the game on the back of two unprecedented losses, Fulstow was playing their last Monday night game after years of unstinting support.

A feature of Monday night futsal is the standard of the keepers, this game was no exception.  On the rare occasions defences was breached Liam Higton or Ryan Milson was on hand to stop the unstoppable.

It took 18 minutes for the first goal to arrive, Dale Jenkins getting in a defensive tackle high up the pitch and releasing Tom Hunter to score, 1-0 Valiant.

The second half Fulstow asked all the questions, pressing but unable to find the killer touch.  Using Liam Higton (GK) in their opponents half they had an extra outfield player numerically, but a near impossible situation to defend if the ball was lost.   Down 1-0 and with the clock running down using Liam this way was a needs must situation. 

With four minutes left the gamble backfired, Valiant won the ball, a simple pass to Emson and he had an unobstructed run to goal. 2-0 effectively game over.

Two equal sides, Valiant won the tactical battle.

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