Series Futsal Victoria 2017/18 Promotion/Relegation Playoffs – Leg 1 Result:
Brunswick Futsal Club 3-0 Collingwood Futsal Club
BWK – R.Danso 2 & J.Pulvirenti
COLL –
The first of the relegation battles saw Brunswick taking on Collingwood. With so much on the line there would be no love lost between these old rivals. Early on it was Collingwood right on top as they created plenty of chances to score but failed to find the net before a well worked corner saw Reuben Danso turn the ball home to open the scoring. Shortly after Brunswick would double the advantage as Josh Pulvirenti also finished from close range to double the chiefs advantage. With Collingwood on the back foot some more great work from Danso saw him turn his defender inside and out before squeezing home a third which had Collingwood in real trouble trailing 3-0 at the half time break.
The second half saw Collingwood step up their defensive work-rate as they looked to keep the score at three and perhaps find a goal or two of their own. Plenty of changes in momentum saw Both sides have their periods of good chances to score but neither could find the back of the net as the half ended goal-less and the game 3-0 the way of the chiefs who set up a handy lead going into the second leg with Collingwood’s hopes holding on by a thread.
Man of the match – Reuben Danso (CF Brunswick)
Series Futsal Victoria 2017/18 Promotion/Relegation Playoffs – Leg 1 Result:
Balwyn Futsal Club 6-1 Melbourne Futsal Club
BAL – M.Salvi 3, M.Marusic, J.Coutinho & B.Monteleone
MELB – R.McClean
The second of the playoff games saw Balwyn take on second place from the State League in Melbourne FC. With a place in Series Futsal Victoria on the line both sides were eager for a good start and the good start went Balwyn’s way as Michele Salvi opened the scoring to give his side the lead. Soon after it was two as Salvi launched a rocket from distance to have the Bulls in complete control. Michael Marusic then dispossessed his opponent before cutting inside and finishing into the bottom corner of the net. Jake Coutinho then got on the scoresheet as the game was getting beyond City and the Balwyn Youngsters really stepping up. Salvi then completed his hat trick to end a great half from the bulls which saw them leading 5-0 at the half time break.
With the tie almost all but over Melbourne set about clawing themselves back into the contest and got their just rewards as a good counter attack saw Ryan McClean finish to give the side hope. Despite the goal Balwyn was right on top and continued to boss the game and in the final minutes Ben Monteleone would pounce on a loose ball and finish to seal an emphatic 6-1 win which all but seals Balwyn’s place in Series Futsal Victoria next season with Melbourne facing a very steep mountain to climb.
Man of the match – Michele Salvi (FC Balwyn)
