AUCKLAND - New Zealand, The Futsal Navy Blues wrapped up their 2025 Ford Futsal Super League campaign at Pulman Arena in Takanini, following a weekend filled with drama and mixed results during National Series 2.
31 March 2025
The team entered the weekend knowing that consistent performances could secure their spot in the finals.
They began on a high note with an emphatic 8-1 victory against Palmerston North Marist. First-half goals from Sam Twigg and captain Stephen Ashby set the tone, while second-half strikes from Tasuku Yoneto, Sam Fagan, Alex Roberts, Adam Bolland, Denny Twigg, and another from Sam Twigg sealed the deal.
However, the momentum shifted in the evening clash against Southern United. Originally scheduled for the morning, the match saw a brace from En Watanabe secure a 2-1 win for Southern United, with Oban Hawkins scoring the lone goal for the Navy Blues as fifth attacker in a valiant but ultimately insufficient effort.
Sunday morning brought high drama against Capital Futsal. Tasuku Yoneto gave the Navy Blues an early lead just two minutes into the game, but Capital's relentless pressure led to an equaliser from Thomas Withnall in the eighth minute.
The second half featured an off-court incident involving Navy Blues head coach Nic Downes, who required treatment following an accidental collision. Capital capitalised on the chaos, building a two-goal advantage with strikes from Sam Wall and Tiahn Manuel. A spirited comeback saw Hawkins and Johnny Sims level the score late, but a series of missed opportunities left the match at 3-3.
Despite this, hopes remained alive for a finals berth heading into the final game against Canterbury United. A fast start from Canterbury's Daniel Steffert put the Navy Blues on the back foot early.
Alex Roberts equalised in the 13th minute, but subsequent goals from Scott Zimmerman and Isaac Topham widened the gap. Sam Twigg reduced the deficit, but time ran out, and Canterbury secured a 3-2 victory that ended the Navy Blues' campaign.
The Ford Futsal Super League now shifts its focus to the finals weekend, where Canterbury United will face Waikato Rapids, and Palmerston North Marist will compete against Capital Futsal. The semifinals take place on April 12-13 at the Akau Tangi Sports Centre in Wellington.
Ends
