Another big step in right direction for NI as they push favourites England all the way in Futsal Home Nations

What a difference a year makes?

This time 12 months a young inexperienced Northern Ireland futsal squad could do little as England, one of the best teams in the world, notched up a devastating double-figures scoreline when the two met for the first time in Cardiff.

Fast forward to tonight (Sat) and a 5-1 defeat almost seemed like a win for Jonny Michael's side.

England have a number of professionals in their ranks and are in the world's top 10 teams.

But at the Oriam sports complex just outside Edinburgh city centre, in front of a sizeable futsal GAWA, they were pushed all of the way by a never-say-die NI side. Michael's game plan of solid defending and then hitting on the break kept England at bay for long periods of the match.

In the end, though, conceding a couple of soft goals either side of the half proved Northern Ireland's undoing.

Michael was delighted with his players, given the quality of the opposition.

"At times in the England game we threatened them and caused them problems," he said. "I know it's still a defeat - we take that one on the chin - but for the boys it's a pleasing performance for them when you take into account what happened last year," he said.

"Tactically we are much improved from last year - we have goals in us and we have quality when we break."

Jordan Wilson, making his Home Nations' debut scored Northern Ireland's only goal.

Michael added: "It's great to see Jordan get his first goal and we know there will be many more in the future."

Meanwhile, Kris Lindsay has added some real quality to the defence.

Having honed his qualities in the Irish League and is currently assistant coach at high-flying Danske Bank Premiership side Glenavon.

Lindsay said: "I thought the boys were great tonight.

"Futsal has only been going a short time in Northern Ireland but the strides we have made have been incredible."

Northern Ireland wrap up their campaign later today with a game against Wales - last year's Home Nations' Champions

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