Match Report - York Futsal

York Futsal returned to action on Sunday in the National Futsal League against Cambridge United with the team wearing special edition pink shirts supporting the ‘wear it pink’ breast cancer awareness initiative.

In a very open and end to end game the visitors took the lead on 2 minutes after some well worked play on the left allowed Tofts to lose his marker before scoring bottom right.

With chances at either end, York responded on 4 minutes pressing high as Cambridge struggled with a goal clearance allowing Mahamadu Ceesay to steal the ball before coolly finishing.

York applied pressure, but were undone as individual errors led to two goals for Cambridge in quick succession. Hardwick on 9 minutes breaking free on the counter had his shot brilliantly saved by Karal Batha, but hit home the rebound. Pellejero on 11 minutes added one more from close range as York gave possession away cheaply.

York responded quickly when they took advantage of Cambridge’s disorganised defence as Ze Eduardo scored from close range.

As fouls started to accumulate, York had an opportunity to level the game on 15 minutes from the second penalty spot. Fabinho struck well, but the keeper saved brilliantly.

The equaliser came on 18 minutes with Ceesay cleverly playing in Roly Donoso on the left who held off his marker before returning the favour with a pass inside to Ceesay who beat the keeper at the near post.

York took the lead for the first time with a perfectly placed ball over the Cambridge defence by Fabinho to Daniel Pedras who held off his marker before finding the back of the net.

This lead was further increased before half-time as Fabinho stole the ball from a Cambridge kick in before finding Michael Bulmer on the counter attack who took no time to finish past the keeper.

York struck again early in the second half as Ceesay and Pedras combined down the right hand side leaving Pedras to finish emphatically.

Even at 6-3 York were never comfortable as Cambridge continued to apply pressure and have chances on goal. Only in the final stages did York extend their lead as Cambridge went fly keeper in an attempt to turn the score line. Mistakes were pounced on by Bulmer and Fabinho to take the score to 8-3, but there was still time for Cambridge to respond with a brace from Ruz Jimenez to make the final score 8-5 in what was a competitive and highly entertaining game.

Head coach Junior Roberti said:
‘Today was competitive throughout and I congratulate Luis and his squad who played excellently. We are happy with the result, but even happier for the fans that came to watch us today. They were amazing, and it was great to see everyone dressed in pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We play away next, but can’t wait to be back at the York Sport Arena in front of these fans when we play Birmingham on 3rd November.’