Comets crushed by Futsal Navy Blues
HAMILTON, New Zealand - The Futsal Navy Blues started life in the Men's Futsal SuperLeague with an intense 9-2 victory over NFF Comets in their opening game at The Peak in Hamilton today.
Hamish Grey created history when he scored Auckland City FC's first ever goal in this form of the round-ball game as a physical first half unfolded.
NFF Comets dominated possession for extended periods but were unable to turn that advantage into goals courtesy of top goalkeeping from Mike Antamanov and excellent defending.
The match drew level when Marvin Eakins unluckily turned the ball into his own net in an act that seemed to trigger the Futsal Navy Blues into gear.
AUDIO - Nic Downes reflects on opening victory
Two goals in quick succession from Thomas Picken and Adam Paulsen handed the Futsal Navy Blues a two goal advantage at half time with NFF Comets reeling.
The second half saw NFF Comets throw everything they had at the Futsal Navy Blues but that left gaps for Nic Downes team to exploit and they didn't waste the opportunity.
Yousif Al-Kalisy netted a fourth before Paulsen helped himself a hat-trick. Josh Margetts heaped more agony on the NFF Comets to make it 7-1 before a late reply cut the deficit to five.
A moment of sublime skill from Jake Besenyi tore the Comets defence apart and allowed Aalok Paudel to slam home the Futsal Navy Blues eighth goal of the afternoon.
AUDIO - Adam Paulsen treble sinks NFF Comets
With goals flying in at rapid rate the game became an end-to-end affair as the Futsal Navy Blues attempted to add to their lead while the NFF Comets chased pride.
There was still time for Grey to notch a brace and complete a debut rout.
The Futsal Navy Blues next match is against Bay of Plenty Surge who lost their opening game to Waikato Rapids 10-0.
Ends
Match Result
Men's Futsal SuperLeague
Saturday 7 November, 2020
Auckland City FC 9 (Hamish GREY 2, Thomas PICKEN, Adam PAULSEN 3, Yousif AL-KALISY, Josh MARGETTS, Aalok PAUDEL)
NFF Comets 2 (OWN GOAL, Eduardo ESPINOSA)
HT: 3-1.
STARTERS: 1. Mike ANTAMANOV (GK), 5. Jimmy BANKS, 8. Josh MARGETTS, 9. Steve ASHBY-PECKHAM (c), 11. Hamish GREY.
BENCH: 4. Matthew LIESHOUT, 6. Thomas PICKEN, 7. Marvin EAKINS, 12. Elias BILLEH (GK), 13. Jake BESENYI, 14. Aalok PAUDEL, 16. Adam PAULSEN, 17. Yousif AL-KALISY, 18. Todd BROADHURST.
COACH: Nic DOWNES.
ASSISTANT COACH: Jess VERDON.
MANAGER: Shivy ANTHONY.
PHYSIO: Aaron COLLIN.
Northern Series
Waikato Rapids 10-0 Bay of Plenty Surge
Auckland City FC 9-2 NFF Comets
Remaining fixtures
Waikato Rapids v NFF Comets
Auckland City FC v Bay of Plenty Surge
Sunday 8 November
Auckland City FC v Waikato Rapids
Bay of Plenty Surge v NFF Comets
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Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 6 | 18 |
| 2 |  | WS | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | 18 |
| 3 |  | BU | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 13 |
| 4 |  | ES | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 12 |
| 5 |  | MN | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 10 |
| 6 |  | AU | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| 7 |  | BO | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
| 8 |  | TC | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 19 | 6 |
| 9 |  | MU | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 25 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 2 |
| 11 |  | EB | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 2 |
| 12 |  | HW | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 18 | 2 |
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