Willows Valiant destroys Fulstow Rovers 12-1.

Where to start?  In mitigation Fulstow new manager ‘Hezza,’ they rotate manager each season, did not have his strongest team out, what he did have was a highly competitive group of experienced futsal players that would not have contemplated they could lose to any team 12-1.

With the BBS team not entering league XVI Valiant signed BBS and FC Grimsby star player Danny Durrosimo. Valiant’s play went to a new level, whether it was solely down to Danny ‘D’ or collectively the players rose to a new level, one can’t be sure, but to a new level they went.

Fulstow was not bad, Valiant was brilliant. Normally free scoring Fulstow players Danny Hornigold and Mathew Payne can open the tightest of defence doors, as they have proved at national level, but in this game not only had Valiant locked the door Danny Powers had thrown away the key.  Every facet of defence was there, patience, organisation, timing, communication, it was a master class.  On the rare occasions Fulstow scratched a chance keeper Ryan Milson was making top draw saves.

In attack Valiant was equally impressive, an early 3-0 lead could have dried some appetites for goals, as it was a steady stream followed.  When in possession Valiant recognised immediately 3v2 2v1 opportunities and exploited them to the full.  Most of Valiant’s goals were simple tap ins, having drawn the keeper to the near post a player was always on hand to finish at the back post.  Sounds simple, it takes quality players to make it look simple time and time again.

Scorers were Dale Mason 4, Nathan Emson 4, Danny Durrosimo 3, and Tom Hunter 1.

The return game will be some game, Fulstow will have to win it, and they have the players to make it a classic.  Fulstow was magnanimous in defeat, appreciative that Valiant had completely stopped them as an attacking force.

How do Valiant compare to the now defunct Magpies?  On this performance Valiant vs. Magpies would be too close to call. Magpies had amazing resilience, 44 Premier games without defeat, to compare Valiant need that level of consistency.