Having beaten the home side 4-6 just before Christmas and having drawn 6-6 at home only last week , 3 times coming from behind, the students of Loughborough University Development team visited Cambridge with some confidence. They were last seasons T2 Champions so know how to win but were unable to be promoted as their 1st Team is already in T1 of the league.
This latest encounter was the FA National Futsal Series consolation “Plate” competition, both teams having failed to qualify for the last 16 of the FA NFS “Cup” which was played over 8 matches through the season, 4 at home, 4 away.
This was now knockout. Extra time & penalties if necessary.There had to be a winner.
Loughborough started as they meant to go on drawing 2 quick reaction saves from Chay JAKES in the Bees goal in the very first attack.
Loughborough took the lead with 13mins left on the countdown clock of the 1st Half from quicker reactions to a corner routine.
It took Cambridge another 7mins to draw level following a complete change of on court players from 12 man squad with a close range goal from youngster Rafa MARTINEZ following a nice spread of play.
However, despite Loughborough having accumulated 5 fouls with 2mins to play, the Bees failed to capitalise and the students managed to secure the lead again following a defensive error with 1min left.
HT Cambridge 1 Loughborough 2
The 2nd Half saw an enthusiastic Mother’s Day crowd witness both teams attempting to play to coaching systems and resulted in a stale mate.
With just 5mins to play, Loughborough’s advancing keeper wasn’t closed down and his unopposed rocket shot from 16m rifled into the bottom left corner of the Bees goal.
This was followed 2mins later when a counter attack from a Bees free kick deep in the Loughborough half, resulted in the visitors snatching their 4th a final goal past a despairing Jose LIMA who had taken over in goal from an injured JAKES.
FT Cambridge 1 Loughborough 4
Disappointing result for the Bees but top marks to the young, well drilled Loughborough students who will be a good test for opposition in the following rounds of the competition and could go all the way to the Final.
Back to home league action for Cambridge this Sunday with the visit of MK Mavericks. Ko 1245pm. Come along…& make some noise!