Leeds 4 FC Grimsby 4 In team captain Mathew Payne’s opinion this was team’s best performance of the season. Not for the first time this season did we have to include a newcomer, this time it was the experienced Kirk Russell who was making his season’s debut.  Kirk would have made the start line up many more times but for family illness. From the early opening plays I was comfortable that Grimsby was on their game and capable of taking the Leeds scalp.  Leeds had one player who posed a real threat if left unchallenged, fortunately FCGY worked out early that his left foot was for standing on! 2 great Higgo saves was a warning that less than 100% defensive concentration would be punished.  An early FCGY goal settled the nerves, FCGY then had a period of play that warranted at least 1 additional goal reward.  As so happens in futsal the game changes in seconds; Leeds keeper made a stunning save, the ball ends up within seconds in front of ‘Higgo’ who could have kicked it out of play, he went for a dribble and 1-1.  His only error. The character of the team was being tested, would they allow Leeds to dominate?  2-1 and then Leeds levelled again.  Half time 2-2.

At the break the players was confident that they had the fire power to take 3 points from the game, as coach I was less sure, there’s a fine line between confidence and over confidence.

The team went about its business with relish and no one other than the opposition could argue as the score moved onto 4-2 in Grimsby’s favour.  It should have been more as 2 tapings was scorned.

Like the best stories the game built up to a dramatic finale.

5 minutes to go and Leeds scored; 4-3.  The FCGY room for error had been removed; the missed opportunities were now costly mistakes.  Leeds got a corner, the team momentarily switched off 4-4.

1minute 30 seconds left on the clock, Grimsby had the ball, and could we keep it, run down the clock and create one golden opportunity.  30 seconds Grimsby had a free kick on their half way line. The decision was to go for 1 last dribble attack (Mathew Payne had opened them up all game); it failed, Leeds broke 2 on 1, foul for Leeds, 15 seconds a 15 meter shot at goal.  Would it go straight in, would it hit a player and tragedy that way?  Higgo made a great save punched the ball out of his area and them made a slide tackle to prevent a second shot. Free kick and a yellow card.1 second on the clock and Leeds now had a shot 1 meter outside the area.  As the players shoe hit the ball the hooter rang. Game over.

Every player played their part, the energy spent was stupendous, and the result was a just reward for everyone’s efforts.

If Leeds beat Oldham next week, Grimsby could still lose against Sheffield, and not have to suffer a play off agony to keep their place in this prestigious FA tournament.  This single point is that important.

Final weeks matches:

2.15pm Manchester                   v           Tranmere Victoria                       (Sugden Sports Centre)

2.30pm Middlesbrough               v           Liverpool                                    (Thornaby Pavilion)

3.15pm Leeds                           v           Oldham Athletic                         (Leeds University)

3.25pm Sheffield                        v           Grimsby                                    (Concord Sports Centre)