Real Mabrid gave a good account of themselves in Sheffield on Saturday with 2 impressive performances in the FA Futsal Cup Qualifiers.

Mabrid had been drawn against National league opposition Grimsby & Oldham Athletic.  Having lost 2 players the previous week, Jamie Osborne from All Stars and Steve Brennan, from East Coast were asked to join the East coast Futsal league winners for the weekend.

A nervy Mabrid start saw Grimsby take a 1-0 lead only for Brennan to hit a curving strike to make it 1 v 1.  Grimsby captain &  Danger man, Matt Payne was causing several problems and helped make it 3 v 1 to Grimsby at half time and give the National league side a cushion.

The second half did  start well again for Mabrid for a time, Osbrone smashing in to the top corner for 3 v 2, however  Grimsby were moving the ball well and taking half chances and extended the lead to 5 v 2.  However  another Osborne gave Mabrid hope but a late penalty from Payne sealed the deal & Grimbsy got off to a deserved flyer in group A.

Grimsby then beat Oldham to book their place in the final 16, so congrats to them, which meant there was pride at stake for the last game, Mabrid v Oldham.

Due to injury Mabrid were forced to change keeper Simpson with Brennan whilst Matty Clay was also ruled out.  Oldham, missing a few players still fielded a strong young team and they too started very well, taking a 3 v 0 lead through James Mwale (2) and striker Shitu.  It could have been worse however Brennan saved 2, 10 meter penalties, one a re-take.

Real Mabrid manager Kevin Darley urged the team to be patient and this worked as the quick passing led to 4 goals in a 5 minute spell, and as Oldham pushed forward Osborne hit a long distance shot into an empty net to see Mabrid into 2nd place and a very respectable scorline against a good Oldham team.

The East Coast League winners proved that they deserved to be in the competition and gave an excellent showing of themselves and for the quality of the league they play in.