Nothing I can write can describe the emotions this game threw at me.  On face value 20 goals describes a game in which neither team had a goal keeper or knew how to defend.  This was not the scenario; both teams knew how to defend and had excellent keepers.

Sheffield sat Grimsby back in the opening 5 minutes, only to be undone by a Peter Herriman wonder goal - when he received the ball on the edge of the Sheffield area he was marked, in a movement that should be on ‘you tube' he rolled the ball over his opponents out stretched legs - changed the ball to his opposite foot in the same motion - curling the ball into the keepers net whilst sending him wrong way in the process.  You expect such things at Old Trafford, but not from Grimsby Futsal.

The game from that moment to half time mirrored the previous Leeds game, 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5. Why can't we hold a lead for 2 minutes?  I (the team) have to rectify this problem.

2 goal debutant Shane Garvey

3 minutes remaining and 10-7 left I called a time out; ‘keep the ball,' watch the clock,' run the clock down.'  During the same time out Sheffield, with nothing to lose, withdraw their keeper, to play an outfielder as a ‘flyer' keeper.  A tactic that historically we have found hard to counter, first attack they score, 1 minute later it's 10-9, Sheffield are calling all the shoots, 30 seconds left 10-10.

As though written for a story book there was one last twist; Grimsby is awarded a penalty with 8 seconds remaining on the clock.  Danny Durrosimo, the player fouled, stepped up to the plate.  What odds Danny from 6 meters against a non specialist keeper (95-1)?  The ball hits the keeper and rolls wide.

A draw was a fair result in a game we had won and could have lost.  What drama; when asked to sign the team sheet my hand was shaking.

Every player was brilliant, as a group they set a new standard for Grimsby Futsal.  This game was fast, it was intense, it demanded players with football brains and technique to match, every player was up to task.  The pleasing thing for me as manager is that all the players are aware that the team has potential to improve, we need to add set plays at corners and free kicks, we need to stop conceding goals from wide areas, we need a team tactic to counter the ‘flier GK'.

Danny Durrosimo scored 3, Shane Garvey 2, Paul Herriman 1, Daniel Hornigold 2, and Mathew Payne 2.  All 10 goals had a quality stamp on them; Shane Garvey should probably be credited with an extra point for an ‘unstoppable' gaol line clearance.

Grimsby are competitive with all the FA North opposition, the squad is loaded with potential, watch this space.

Grimsby vs. BBS Couriors

Teams shake hands before game.

Changed the header, Super Saturday now reads Super Saturday disappointment!

The tournament was revamped from 2 groups of 3 teams to 1 group of 5 after Teesside failed to make the venue. Straightforward for the organisers but inconsiderate for 2 of the Grimsby players who missed the first game as their travel plans had been for a first game 11.45 kick off!

Everything started brightly for Grimsby Futsal, Herriman scored a brilliant opener to put us 1-0 vs. Manchester. At this point we were playing excellent futsal and looked a tournament threat. Even after Manchester went 1-1 we had the game's best chances; Manchester was always a danger from their limited chances and we paid the price 1-2.

Next game BBS Couriers vs. Grimsby Futsal.  Both teams needed to win.  BBS always had the lead until a free 10 metre shot for accumulated fouls, or should I say fouls on Josh Parry.  Leigh Graves (GK) netted with time out on the clock. 3-3

Next up Sheffield, patchy performance team never moved fluently, the passing and movement was ‘Mundail.'  3 new team faces in the squad did not help cohesion; the team was unable to think on its feet.  1-3

The last game all eyes was on Grimsby vs. Dengo. The result would effect if Manchester or Dengo qualified.  Grimsby decided on playing full game with a ‘fly' goal keeper (Peter Herriman).  It was an unmitigated disaster.  No fault of Peter, he got his part correct. It was the outfield players. The players had watched Sheffield use a ‘flier' in all their games; unfortunately they had watched but tactically taken nothing on board.  6 goals adrift at half time Leigh Graves returned to gaol and proceeded to play the ‘flier' role rather well given that he had previously been uncomfortable when asked to play the role. Final score 2-11.

 BBS Couriers had a poor opening game vs. Sheffield, unable to cope with a team that used a 'flyier' goal keeper to great advantage. Score 1-4

Next game BBS Couriers vs. Grimsby Futsal.  Both teams needed to win.  BBS always had the lead until a free 10 metre shot for accumulated fouls, or should I say fouls on Josh Parry.  Leigh Graves (GK) netted with time out on the clock. 3-3

BBS 2 Dengo 3. closest any team got to beating Dengo.  BBS played some great stuff.

BBS finished on a flourish with a well deserved win 3-0 against tournament favourites Manchester.  Manchester had their England international on the pitch, BBS had 'Ludow' who orchestrated the game for his team. Credit to BBS who achieved only clean sheet of day.

QUESTION:

Is Grimsby doing its self an injustice by diluting into 2 teams?

Played 12 won 12

Scored 98 conceded 17

Goal difference 81

Healing's next big challenge is to do themselves and Grimsby futsal credit at the FA National Junior Finals in Sheffield, 27th June.