Having won the Grimsby League by the skin of their teeth Valiant travelled to Leeds with an experienced team but facing unknown opponent’s ability wise. The ten competing teams were the winners of the following Qualifying Leagues:
Grimsby Futsal;Gateshead Futsal Club;Futsal UK Sunderland;Futsal UK Leeds x2;FA Futsal Fives West Riding;Middlesbrough Futsal Club Qualifying League;Northumberland FA;Leeds & Wakefield Futsal Club;Teesside Sport Futsal.The team’s first game was an ‘awakener,’ York University, who had a full bench of players to call on, was 2-0 down at half time, scored and then equalised in a tight game. ‘Fitness and greater experience saw Valiant through the game,’ said Manager Dan Powers.
The next game was a 5-1 confidence booster followed by a 4-2 win against Sunderland. At this point Valiant had settled into the competition and was looking strong in every position.
Next up Teesside University in the semi final, with keeper Adam Barney injuring his elbow in the previous game Liam Highton, an experienced keeper in his own right, was called onto play in goal. Score Valiant 2 -0 to Valiant with manager Powers reporting that ‘the team played awesome. Barney’ had made some great saves in the opening matches and it was fortunate that a back keeper was in squad.’
The final was down to a rematch with previous adversaries York University. Final started tight, both defences on top but York team movement were causing concern and at break York was 1-0 ahead. Liam Highton’s ability to play ‘fly’ goalkeeper became a big second half asset as Valiant raised their level of play. A clever set play from a corner saw the ball pulled back to Liam Highton who in turn returned the ball into the top corner of the goal with an unstoppable shot. Shane Brooks then ‘nicked’ another from which point the Valiant team defence and organisation took control in an outstanding team performance.
Shane Garvey and Danny Durosomo where as strong as oxen abetted with forward creativity, Liam Highton (when outfield) and Jack Burrows was top class as their energy and vocal contribution drove the team through difficult periods. Liam Baldock was rock solid as usual; Sam Brooks and Dale Masons quick feet left opponents, at times, chasing shadows. They were tournament joint top goal scorers’ with five apiece.
Manager Dan Powers was unable to play due to a long term knee injury, ‘the only bad point of the day’ he recorded. Liam Highton was his choice as player of the tournament.
Huge credit to Valiant players and management who had a starting bench of players unable to play due to the tournament clashing with their semi professional football commitments. Credit must be given to all the teams in the Grimsby League, Valiant get tested every week in a highly competitive environment, I doubt any of the opposition teams are put to such a weekly test.
Kevin Bryant – League Organiser
The FA competition started with 58 Leagues across country, 47 men’s and 11 ladies.
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s North West | 09-Mar | Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Belle Vue Manchester M12 4T |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s West Midlands | 09-Mar | @Futsal Birmingham Centre, (20 Great King St North, Birmingham B19 2LF |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s South East | 09-Mar | East Berkshire College, Langley Campus, Station Rd, Langley, Slough SL3 8BY |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s South West | 09-Mar | Futsal Swindon Unit 29/Techno Trading Est/Kembry Park/Bramble Rd Swindon SN2 8HB |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s North & Yorkshire | 15-Mar | Futsal Leeds Centre, (Millshaw Park Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS11 0LU). |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s East Midlands | 15-Mar | TBC |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s London & East | 15-Mar | SPORTHOUSE, Mayesbrook Park, Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 2JR |
FA Futsal Cup – Regional’s South West 2 | 15-Mar | Futsal Swindon Unit 29/Techno Trading Est/Kembry Park/Bramble Rd Swindon SN2 8HB |