BUCS Focus: M1 Futsal

Lead coach of Northumbria University’s M1 Futsal team, Michael Gunn, has challenged his team to go and win the BUCS Premier North title in the 2017/18 season.

“On a national level we are not quite sure, but we are looking to win the Northern Premier title,” said Gunn.

Northumbria are now undefeated in their first three league games but Gunn has put an emphasis on composure and taking it game by game as they progress during the season.

“We prepare every game the same, every game as far as we are concerned is like a cup final, it’s not just about the opposition, it’s about us and how we prepare our team,” added Gunn.

Gunn’s side won 5-2 at Sport Central after a very even encounter for the majority of the game.

The home side drew first blood nine minutes in when a low curling effort from the right hand corner beat the keeper at his far post and nestled into the bottom corner.

With both teams having their chances it was Loughborough who managed to capitalise as they scored from the counter attack, a fluid passing display proving too quick for the Northumbria defence - the equaliser sending the game into a 1-1 draw at the half way point.

After being knocked out by Northumbria in the Trophy quarter-final last season, Loughborough player Nathan Jackson was hoping to top them this year.

“Two out of the three games we have played so far in the league have been away, so I’m looking forward to the return fixture,” said Jackson.

It was a switch of ends and a fresh TN side which allowed the team in white to score just two minutes into the second half with a close range tap in following a driven cross from the left.

But again Loughborough drew level minutes later after a lovely lofted pass which was brought down to the centre of the box and followed in.

A penalty was awarded with six-and-a-half minutes on the clock which allowed Northumbria to lead 3-2 and turn the game on its head.

The floodgates opened in the last five minutes as Northumbria extended their lead twice more after Loughborough opted for a fly keeper and tried to scavenge a goal with 5v4 outfield players.

The game ended with 5-2 win in favour of the home side who host Edinburgh at Sport Central next Sunday (2pm ko).