CUFC 7 - 3 Southampton FC (HT: 3-1)
Cambridge United Futsal saw off Southampton FC 7-3 at their borrowed home of Moulton College, Northampton, to set up Last 16 clash with Liverpool in the FA Futsal Cup.Having never faced Southampton before, the U’s knew that they would have to be at the top of their game in order to progress through the last 32 stage of the competition.
United started the game off with a high tempo and were soon rewarded by their first goal of the afternoon, after a brilliant play by the two youngest players on the pitch, Bouttell and Hardwick, with the latter opening the scoring.
However, a defensive mistake from the U’s gave Southampton the chance to equalise which they did expertly to peg back the home side, who up to that point had full control of proceedings.
Luis Mendonca’s side kept their cool though and began bombarding the Saints defence, with Mendes eventually restoring the U’s lead. Their dominance continued and captain Morcillo was quick to add another to complete a 3-1 score line in United’s favour at the break.
Cusumano was beaten early in the second period to bring the visitors within one goal once more, but United remained confident with their control of the match and two quckfire goals from Chadwick and player/coach Mendonca settled the nerves further.
Southampton still refused to be beaten comfortably, pulling another back to make it 5-3, but a well-worked set piece in which Burnus flicked the ball to Mendes for his second, put the result beyond doubt.
With less than a minute left to play, Burnus registered one more for United to conclude a 7-3 win.
The victory means Cambridge United will now be facing Division 2 North side Liverpool FC in the last 16 round of the FA Futsal Cup next Sunday, in Liverpool.
Meanwhile, a date has now been confirmed for the U’s first play-off match following victory in National Futsal League Midlands Division Two against FS Derby on Sunday 1st May. Tickets for the match will be available online very soon, with the club urging Cambridge United supporters to head down to the University Sports Centre and give the U’s their full support as they strive to make the Super League.
CUFC goals: T. Hardwick (1), L. Chadwick (1), A. Mendes (2), L. Mendonca (1), A. Morcillo (1), V. Burnus (1)