Cambridge United FC Futsal extend their FA Futsal National Super League winning streak with a 6-3 victory over Tranmere Rovers.
Having made the long trip up to Prenton Park and emerged narrow 4-3 winners the week before, Sunday saw Cambridge United FC Futsal host Tranmere Rovers FC Futsal in the FA Futsal National Super League return fixture at the Cambridge University Sports Centre in front of the largest home crowd of the season so far, including the Mayor of Cambridge.
Cambridge were full of confidence and looking to extend their good run, unbeaten in the last five matches with four wins and an unexpected draw against league leaders Reading Escolla. The U’s were able to announce a full strength squad which included new signing Paulo Rodrigues for the first time.
Cambridge controlled the opening exchanges in what proved to be a cagey first half with United, finally making the breakthrough through a well-taken Alberto Morcillo goal. It stayed 1-0 until the dying seconds of the half when Tranmere were unable to keep out a well-worked Cambridge free kick, which was bundled over the line from close range to give the U’s a comfortable two goal lead at half time.
Cambridge came out and played with more purpose and intent in the second half and were soon rewarded by a calm finish from Paulo Rodrigues on his debut to make it 3-0. This spurred Tranmere into life and they responded with a goal of their own to make it 3-1, but United increased the pressure almost immediately through man of the match Angel Martinez to restore their three goal cushion. Rovers again pegged Cambridge back to 4-2 despite a fine performance from U’s keeper Lino Cebey.
By this time Tranmere had racked up the allowed five fouls per half with the next resulting in a ten metre penalty, which was calmly dispatched by Justo Lopez and his trusty left foot to make it 5-2 to Cambridge. United seemed to lose their normal intensity briefly and were punished by another avoidable Tranmere goal to make it 5-3 but U’s youngster Monty Bouttell put the game out of reach with a fine finish to make it 6-3.
Another fine win for the U’s was only marred by a bad injury to Inaki Prado midway through the second half which resulted in a long stoppage while he was treated and taken to hospital. Coach Luis Mendonca will have been proud of how his players maintained their focus after this and Cambridge United Futsal fans will be relieved to hear that Inaki has now been released from hospital, albeit on crutches and facing a long spell out of action. We wish Inaki a speedy recovery.
This deserved result keeps an improving Cambridge United side in 5th place in the FA Futsal National Super League with the other results going to form.
The FA Futsal National Super League fixtures now stiffen for United and they now travel to second placed Birmingham Futsal next Sunday 28th January, before entertaining York City Futsal at the Cambridge University Sports Centre on Sunday 4th February 2018.
Goals | Alberto Morcillo, OG, Paulo Rodrigues, Angel Martinez, Justo Lopez, Monty Bouttell