NI lose to champions England in final game of Futsal Home Nations event
Hosts hit crossbar twice in closely-fought match
Northern Ireland brought their best-ever Home Nations Championships to a close last night at Newry Leisure Centre – with yet another impressive all-round performance.
After beating Wales 2-0 on Saturday, Jonny Michael’s side came close to causing one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history when they took on England.
The hosts ultimately lost 3-1 but hit the crossbar twice and had a shot cleared off the line in what was arguably the best all-round display of the weekend.
Michael says they are on the right tracks after just a few years together.
“I am disappointed we didn’t get a result – it could have been 2-2 – we hit the crossbar twice and had a shot cleared off the line,” he said.
“It’s the fine margins again in futsal but look all in all the weekend has been a very positive for us.
“We get a lot of confidence out of this weekend – we have beaten a home nations’ side – we have not done that before and we gave England a really good game and it could have gone either way
“I am still disappointed to have lost to Scotland but we created lots of chances – and there are loads of positives for us.”
Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland were all tied on three points but goal difference meant they finished bottom of the table.
Michael said he was confident his side would get even better as they prepare for the World qualifiers next year.
“We would certainly like to improve on the progress we made in the last year,” he added. “I would like us to have more of the ball in games is the next progression for us but heart and commitment we have all of that in abundance and the boys will continue to work hard on this.”