The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield.
A cooler, fresher start was welcomed by all the players on the second day of The FA UMBRO Futsal Finals, as the heat on pitches two, three and four yesterday had been tiring for the duration of the session.
It was a 9am start for the Women’s competition, with their remaining group matches to be scheduled today. Strong performances yesterday from West Ham United, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Team United and Watford will make today’s session very interesting.
Women’s Competition – Day Two Round Up
Group A
Doncaster Rovers Belles kicked off day two with another victory against Cambridge Regional college (5-1) and it seems their players do not seem to be phased by the game of Futsal at all. Belles' rivals Team United managed a 1-1 draw with Loughborough Foxes WFC.
In the final match in Group A, Doncaster Rovers played Team United, who needed a draw to qualify. The game was full of chances with Team United having the upper hand, as Rovers Belles seemed to struggle playing on the bigger pitch. However, they clinched a last minute goal to make it 4-4. Loughborough Foxes managed their first win against Cambridge, meaning both Doncaster Rovers Belles and Team United qualify for the quarter finals.
Group B
Yeovil Town Ladies kept themselves firmly in the running to clinch a win against Tranmere Ladies Futsal Club (2-1). Overnight, group leaders Sheffield FC Ladies faltered at their day two morning game, receiving a 6-0 hammering from Bino United. The competition for Tranmere seems very much over after two games.
Both Yeovil Town and Sheffield FC needed to take the second spot, with Bino United Ladies FC already qualified. At 2-2 with minutes to go, Sheffield scored their third and final goal, and are through to the quarter finals.
Group C
After wins for both New Saints Ladies and West Ham, Worcester and Willesden needed to start the second day with wins to stay in the running. The New Saints Ladies were up against West Ham United in the first of two games and they picked up a 3-1 win. In the other match, with both teams needing a win, this game was crucial and Worcester just had the advantage and beat Willesden 3-2.
The third and final match in Group C was just a formality for The New Saints Ladies, who polished off a clear win against Worcester (7-0). After West Ham United`s defeat against The New Saints Ladies, they needed to beat Willesden. Willesden's competition was already over and they didn't manage to gain a consolation point in their final game as West Ham United are through after a 5-2 victory.
Group D
Watford, having already won their first game on day one, needed to ensure qualification early on day two. South Downs were their opponents and nearly upset the Watford Ladies, who sneaked victory 4-3.
Futsal newcomers Dingle needed to do a bit more work in their third and final game, after Rushden and Diamonds Ladies slotted home four goals and kept a clean sheet (4-0).
Qualification was already sealed for Watford and Rushden as the other teams were yet to score a point but in their final game, Watford showed their superiority against Rushden with a 4-1 win. South Downs restored some pride beating Dingle (3-2)
Men’s Competition
The men’s competition resumed at lunchtime on day two, with the final games for Groups A and B. Results from day one, saw Sheffield FC, Corinthians and FC White Bear – USSR already through to the knockout stages. In Group A, all teams have a chance of finishing in the top two while the remaining three groups see teams battling it out for the second qualification place. Team United FC in Group D will need a miracle to make it to the next stage.
Group A
With both qualification places still open to any of the four teams, Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA representative team faced the toughest tie against Ipswich Wolves. Ipswich had failed to show the form and flair that entertained everyone at last year's event during their first two games and there was little between the two teams in the first half, but Ipswich raised the game in the second half and clinched qualification at the last chance, the game finished 4-0.
With one place decided, the second went to overnight group leaders Helvecia who beat Worcester (3-1).
Group B
Sheffield FC made it three wins out of three, with a steady performance over Newham Genesis. Even a win for Manchester Futsal Club against Baltic Futsal Club would likely see the Manchester team heading for the Plate competition, unless they could keep a clean sheet and score a dozen. Unfortunately this was not to be and Baltic just edged it (3-2).
Group C
Corinthians, having already qualified, could take it easy in their last group match, and keep some energy in reserve for the quarter finals to be played later in the evening. Any of the three other teams in the Group could clinch the second spot, with all needing a win to guarantee passage. Birmingham Tigers stole the three points away from leaders Corinthians in a very entertaining match whilst in the other game, Tranmere beat bottom of the table I Security by 4-2 to join Corinthians in the next stage.
Group D
Group D was already settled yesterday, after FC White Bear and Loughborough both won their games, leaving the remaining two teams with no points and no hope of catching them up. Team pride was at stake for Hull and Team United, as neither team wanted to finish the competition without notching any points. Hull demolished Team United (8-1), so pride was restored for them, with Team United having to look at making amends in the Plate competition. FC White Bear and Loughborough played out a potential game in the later stages, with FC White Bear winning 6-2.
Men’s Competition - Quarter Finals
Helvecia Futsal 3-0 Loughborough Students FC
With English pride at stake, Loughborough are one of three English teams to progress to the knockout stage. In a tense and well fought encounter, Helvecia knocked out Loughborough with a strong performance (3-0)
Ipswich Wolves 4-4 FC White Bear – USSR (After extra time)
Ipswich Wolves win on penalties (5-4)
The mouth watering fixture of the men’s quarter finals saw last year’s winners Ipswich Wolves up against spectator’s favourites The White Bear – USSR. Hopes around the venue were for White Bear to progress through to the Semi-Finals after winning all three of their group games whilst Ipswich Wolves had failed to show until the second half of their third and final game in the group competition.
The game was closely matched and very entertaining throughout, with little between the two teams. After normal time, the teams were at a deadlock, into extra time and still neither team took a one goal advantage. This tie was to be decided with penalties.
The tense atmosphere made for a great penalty contest with both teams standing on the half way line waiting for their turn to take the penalty spot. The Ipswich goalkeeper was the hero though saving two penalties and putting them through to the Semi-Finals.
Sheffield FC 3-3 Tranmere Victoria (After extra time)
Tranmere Victoria win on penalties (3-2)
In another all-English encounter in the quarter finals, with one English team definitely making it to the Semi-Finals of the competition Sheffield FC were flying the flag for the host city and looking to do one over their North League rivals. Sheffield were the better side, creating chances and taking the lead, but with every goal Sheffield scored, Tranmere responded with an equaliser. In extra time, Sheffield looked to have stolen it only to again let Tranmere come back. This game was decided on penalties, with Sheffield FC cruelly being knocked out after the Tranmere goalkeeper saved a penalty.
Baltic Futsal Club 1-3 Corinthians
Another match to be undecided in full time, a very entertaining and passionate match was complimented with the passionate and vocal Corinthian crowd, urging their players to score the winning goal. This game looked like also being decided on penalties until Corinthians scored the deciding two goals, booking their place in the Semi-Finals.
Semi-Final Fixtures
Helvecia Futsal v Corinthians
Tranmere Victoria v Ipswich Wolves
See all of the results from Saturday on FULL TIME by clicking here.