Grimsby accepted the rare opportunity to host a FC Grimsby vs. Grimsby Institute League Select game with the added bonus of two experienced referees.  Grimsby referee Gavin Sartain is well known throughout English futsal, he recently was senior official in the FA National Play Off Final - Helvecia vs. Spartans.

Lucas was introduced to us by a local futsal player who was hosting Lucas whilst he visited to learn English.  Lucas refereed 11 years in the Spanish League division 3, taking in games in the Balearic region. Lucas told us that in the Spanish League referees work as a pair for 1 season. usually not exceeding a travel radius of 2 hours, but not possible when they fly to Majorca to officiate.

A difference in style and interpretation was anticipated, it never transpired, both Gavin and Lucas was 'on the same song sheet.'  

Both referees are commended for their professionalism to work together having met only minutes before the game and to 3rd referee Dean Gladwell and Dan Mawer for their assistance.

 Referees left - right:

Dan Mawer, Lucas Lopez, Gavin Sartain, Dean Gladwell.

 The score was incidental, but for the record FC Grimsby beat their opponents 6-2 helped by a superb display of futsal goal keeping by Gavin Broughton. 

The 'Select' team included Sheffield and England star Ben Mortlock.

FCGY included Boston Town football star Paul Goodhand; Paul was a member of England's first ever futsal team.  Paul has the dubious record of being England futsal teams first ever red card!

Also in the FCGY team FA League top scorer 2009 Mathew Payne.

Amazingly both matt and Paul work together and yet this was the first time they have been in the same team.

Finally my apologies to Lucas who was surprised that facilities in Grimsby are so poor that we play our league on an outdoor court; that said it has purpose marked international size futsal markings unhindered by other sport markings.

 Gavin Broughton FCGY goal keeper and

unanimous 'Man of the Match'