Willows’ Valiant 8 Trawl 5

With an outstanding starting five backed with two substitutes of same calibre this was always going to be a huge test for Trawl with just a basic five players.  So it proved.  Trawl was offered an initial glimmer of fragility when for second week; Valiant’s otherwise exceptional keeper let an easy take slip into his net.  A Chris Gittens thunder bolt took them to 2-0, defend-able?  An unfortunate unforced Trawl error let Valiant immediately back into game, after which they controlled the game, whist not ever getting to grips with Trawl’s fast incisive counter attacks, hence the closeness of the score.

Clee Wanderers 3 El Dogo’s’ 14

El Dogo’s had two faces in their line that was new, to my knowledge, to futsal.  With such futsal experience around them they quickly adapted to futsal strategy.  Clee Wanders received a knockout blow before kick off when keeper Gavin Broughton was called into work, with the superb Phil Wakefield injured the remaining regulars was tested to the full.  Damage limitation was name of game.

Phil Courtly again top class for Clee.

Franklin College 5 Shamrock Rovers 0

Franklin was on their game, Shamrock was continuing to knit new faces into team.  Franklin, led by Lee Potter, had players with pace and technique in every position.  Tactically they dominated, Shamrock spent great energy closing them down, whilst not getting their own attacking game moving.

Else where:

Referee Dean Gladwell is having second 'pot' removed after serious achilles rupture.

Referee Dan Mawer, now at Sheffied University, is getting BUCAS league games to referee.  He is getting 'clock' work in FA National League.  Needs to be year older to take FA National League fitness test, after which he progresses to referee games.