ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Maccabi GB Futsal were edged out in their latest National Futsal League match, going down 3-2 against FC Siauliai.
With both sides towards the foot of the FA National Futsal League South table, this was an important game, with the chance to claw towards mid-table never-more-apparent. Maccabi GB Futsal started the day two points clear of Siauliai who, like their opponents, were looking to change their fortunes of late.
The game got off to a frantic pace with Siauliai setting the tempo, but Maccabi GB standing strong in defence. Players were tracking their runners and the rigid, disciplined outfit was springing attacks when Calvin Dickson and Kurrant drove the team forward. MGB keeper Dan Lipman had very few saves to make in the opening minutes of the game, with only Bruno Vitorino of Siauliai causing the away side any major problems.
Then Siauliai conceded an indirect free-kick just outside of their box, when their goalkeeper received the ball straight back for the second time – illegal in Futsal. Kurrant stepped up and smashed his effort off of the defence to ricochet into the top corner to give MGB the upper hand.
The lead did not last long, however, and Siauliai were breaking with pace anytime Maccabi GB were not able to add to Kurrant’s tally. Bruno Vitorino made a delightful, disguised drag across the court before toe-poking his effort past the hapless Lipman.
Maccabi GB, unlike other weeks, did not wilt and started to command the game. Adam and Jamie Bernstein were linking well and Davidson was tirelessly holding the ball up in order to bring others into play. The mood was positive and Maccabi GB were pressing for another.
The pressure eventually told with Kurrant, from deep, playing a reverse ball into Dickson and feinted into the opposing half. Dickson made a delicious scoop ball which scythed through the opposition defence leaving Kurrant one-v-one. The goalkeeper came off his line quickly, forcing Kurrant wide to make his shot. From Kurrant’s saved shot, the ball fell for Adam Bernstein just inside the penalty area to stroke home and make it 2-1 to Maccabi GB Futsal.
Siauliai were clearly against the ropes and MGB’s game plan had worked, if only for 30 seconds as Siauliai drew level just before the break. From a corner the ball fired goalwards and ended up in the top corner via a deflection to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Both teams huffed and puffed for the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Sam Sollosi went the closest when he danced around the defenders in the opposition penalty area and dragged his effort just wide of the upright. Jonah Gordon-Boyd also went close for MGB soon after when he struck the post from the edge of the box.
With the game edging toward a stalemate, Bruno Vitorino inspired Siauliai to the victory when his effort on the counter struck the bar, before the ball was turned in from the rebound.
A sour taste in the mouth for MGB after being the better side for the majority of the game. These two sides face each other again on December 21, 4pm KO.
Goal-scorers:
Kurrant
A.Bernstein
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Squad:
1 Dan Lipman
4 Dan Sugarman
5 Adam Bernstein
7 Jamie Bernstein
8 Jon Kurrant
9 Jonah Gordon-Boyd
10 Jordan Davidson
11 Sam Sollosi
12 Calvin Dickson