We take a look at how The FA National Futsal League North is progressing.
The FA National Futsal League - North
Click here for fixtures, results and tables
After the snowbound weather affected the start to the season we are now five weeks into the campaign as the top eight teams in the Northern league began their mission to get their hands on the title.
Reigning champions Middlesbrough started the season with a tricky away trip to Manchester and despite losing several key players during the close season, secured a dramatic 4-3 win and it became clear that Middlesbrough were going to be a force to be reckoned with again. The first week of the season also saw new boys Liverpool score a surprise away win at Sheffield FC 4- 2.
The second week of the season saw Tranmere Victoria start their crusade to become Northern Champions for the second time after their first fixture fell victim to the weather. After participating in the Midlands league during the 2009 season, it was great to welcome back one of the strongest and most consistent Futsal teams in England. Starting where they left off in 2008, they ran away from Grimsby in the second half, winning the match 8-2 after a tight and cagey first 20 minutes.
Into week three of the season and the big hitters Tranmere Victoria and Middlesbrough were paired together for an early kick-off at Greenbank Academy. With Tranmere leading at half time 3-1, a quickfire treble at the beginning of the second half all but finished off Boro, despite a courageous fightback, Boro went down 6-4 for their first defeat of the season.
On week four of the season, Liverpool travelled to Oldham. Despite an excellent first half from Oldham, where they led 2–1, a second half of domination from Liverpool saw them turn the result around and end up winning 6-2. The other highlight of the round saw Sheffield win their third match in a row, beating the previously unbeaten Tranmere Victoria 4-2, with two late goals sealing the victory.
Onto week five of matches and Leeds Futsal Club secured their first win of the season, travelling to the Gemtec Arena, home of Grimsby FC and securing a comfortable 10-2 win. Manchester and Sheffield played out a 4-4 draw at Sugden Sports Centre, Manchester and Middlesbrough came away with three points from Oldham after a convincing 9-5 win.
So far, it has been a competitive start to the season with no teams unbeaten. Oldham are the only team yet to secure a victory and with tough games coming up at home to Tranmere Victoria and away to fellow new boys Liverpool, can they turn around their fortunes?
Leeds Futsal Club’s Raphael Collarile leads the way in the scoring charts with nine goals from his four appearances this season, a five goal haul against Sheffield in week three and a hat-trick against Grimsby sees him toping the pile. Seven goals from Robert Bettson of Middlesbrough, Thomas Obasi of Liverpool and Mathew Payne of Grimsby FC lead the chasing pack.
There promises to be many more twists and turns in the league this season and at this stage of the season thre appears to be no clear favourite.
