The Manchester Futsal squad arrived to play their first game at Ponds Forge in the FA Futsal Conference North determined to make amends from the opening day fixture defeat against Hull, where missed opportunities prevented a comfortable victory.
It was to be a victorious day too, as Manchester ran out as 10-2 winners in a thrilling game.
Manchester welcomed back their Brazilian duo of Balan and Adriano, but the away team were first to show their strength, and forced Manchester to play out from the back by pressing high up the narrow court.
As in the first week, Manchester took time to adjust and their defensive shape was being stretched by Hull’s early running and physical presence. The Manchester defence was eventually breached as Ashley dispensed his powerful shot past Allen.
The home side were rocked but got themselves back on level terms when Balan twisted and turned before opening his account for the Blues but Hull’s persistence in playing off their attacking pivot Ashley paid off yet again, as Lowthorpe accelerated into the box before slotting coolly past Allen.
Manchester soon started to regain their momentum and possession by putting together some slick passing moves and their reward was spectacular, as Webber crashed in the equaliser to finish off a neat one-two with Richardson by firing into the top corner.
From here, Manchester gained the upper hand as they began to wear Hull down with long periods of possession and high tempo fluency in their passing, but Hull were still dangerous and Allen had to make several smart saves to prevent them going further ahead.
In a quick fire period, Manchester dispatched a further three goals before half-time to swing the contest back in their favour with Adriano, Ovechkin and Richardson all contributed in breaking Hull’s resistance.
Manchester started the second period in complete control though, as they looked to add to their lead and close out the game. In a crazy opening five minutes, Balan was to hit the woodwork an incredible four times – with one shot the ball striking both uprights.
Hull were looking tired and Manchester were able to show strength in defence as the game began to become more physical, with more fouls being awarded against both teams.
A flurry of goals followed as Manchester’s controlled passing game took effect once again. Read finished off a series of one-twos with a cool finish, followed by a similar move which ended with Balan chipping the ball over the advancing Hull keeper.
Manchester were buoyant by this stage, but continued to give away fouls at an alarming rate as the referees clamped down on some debatable simulated fouls.
Adriano soon got in on the act though, with two quick fire strikes as Manchester began to enjoy themselves and score the goals which had eluded them in the opening game.
Webber notched his second of the game with a pin point left footed finish, before Balan completed his first hat-trick for Manchester Futsal Club.
There was even time for Allen to cap an impressive performance with a ten-meter free shot save in the closing minutes.
Overall, it was a dominant display from Manchester which will give them confidence as the league programme gathers momentum.
Manchester Futsal Club: Mark Allen, Mozart Balan, Adam Bradley, Adriano Magaluaes, Ruben Manna, Ilya Ovechkin, Douglas Reed, Samuel Richardson, Azat Sakebaev, Tom Weber-Macarthney, Simon Wright.
Hull Futsal Club: Ashley Allanson, Chibuzor Chilaka, Joel Hartley, Adam Lowthorpe, James McDaid, Adam Mountford, Thomas Nicholson.