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Great start to Football Association Futsal League North for
FC Grimsby.
 Opponents Oldham was playing their first ever FA League game
having qualified through a very strong play off group. For Grimsby they were a complete unknown
quantity that had to be given maximum respect.
The FCGY team’s last friendly was against Middlesborough, 2009 North winners;
a game that gave the Grimsby team notice preparation was behind schedule.
The was a good feeling when the squad meet up at the Gemtec
Arena (Hull), the attitude and focus for the game was apparent.
Coach Ammy Nije put through an impressive warm that
sharpened the players touch on the ball, pre kick off preparation had gone
well.
New face Aaron Smith (Young’s’ Seafood’s’) was given a place
in the starting 5, along with Mathew Payne (Captain), Daniel Hornigold, and Sam
Brooks (all Fulstow Rovers), Leigh Graves was keeper.
The game started at a strong pace; it was evident from the
first minute that Oldham was an organised team well prepared for the game. The first 10 minutes was nip and tuck,
Grimsby always bossing the game but unable to create clear cut chances against
a team that defended on the edge of their own penalty area ready to play on the
counter attack. A dangerous tactic that
cost them eventually, the Oldham keeper had saved several goal bound efforts,
one had to go in eventually, and it did. Mathew Payne finishing off neat passing move
to shoot FC GY 1-0 up on 10 minutes.
FCGY continue to dominate the ball, but at 1-0 could not
feel comfortable, Grimsby need a second goal.
It duly arrived seconds before half time. Sam Brooks dribbled 2 men and from a tight
angle a volley; the Oldham keeper looked to have saved, fortunately the power
of the shot took the ball over the goal line.
2-0, the half time team strategy had changed.
The second half started very similar to the first period,
Grimsby dominating possession whilst being denied clear cut chances. What was evident at this point was that the
team was mastering the art of possession, not getting frustrated when
possession was not being reflected in goals scored. The team, no matter how the squad was rotated
was patient, aware that possession is a version of defence when your team has a
2 goal advantage.
25 minutes gone and Oldham showed no signs of wilting; a
third Grimsby gaol (Mathew Payne) altered the Oldham tactics. Oldham called a 1 minute time out. The instructions could be anticipated, they
need to push on, take chances, and Oldham needed a goal. Aware, Grimsby defended deeper and tighter
and planned to hit them on the break, it worked nicely as Aaron Smith and Simon
Taylor (Grimsby Catalonia) broke in a 2v1 situation that gave Aaron a simple
back post tap in. 4-0.
This was the tipping point, Grimsby had control of all
facets of the match, reaping the benefits of their graft, Grimsby was now a
yard faster than their opponents, space was opening up at will.
The last 10 minutes Grimsby ran away with the game to 9-0; Shane
Garvey having an inspired 3 goal spell.
The crowning glory was a penalty after Mathew Payne shot was
handled by a defender on his goal line; Leigh Graves stepped up to score. A clean sheet and a goal scored is a futsal
rarity to be savoured - it will not happen often.
The Grimsby Institute ‘man of the match’
was Simon Taylor; Simon made more tackles and interceptions than any other FCGY
player enabling his teams attacking players to player with greatfreedomer .
The next game is Sunday 17th away vs. Tranmere
Victoria, they are a known quantity.
2009 FA Futsal League runners up to London team Helvencia. Tranmere are experienced, there will not be a
European country they have not travelled to in search of futsal knowledge. Grimsby is going into the game
with a result that will have raised heads.
Scorers:
Leigh Graves (penalty)
Mathew Payne 2
Shane Garvey 3
Sam Brooks
Arron Smith
Simon Taylor
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