Victory for Lifford in opening encounter

THE FAI Futsal Cup began last Saturday in Dublin where Clare was represented by Lifford who were drawn in a very strong group.

On Saturday, Lifford played and beat Santos Dublin on a 4-3 scoreline, Santos were beaten in the Emerald Dublin futsal league final  last December by Shamrock Rovers.
This Saturday, Lifford will faces the FAI Cup holder’s English in Dublin and on March 26 will play against Shamrock Rovers who won the Emerald futsal league.

Lifford   4   Santos Dublin   3
LIFFORD were seen as the underdogs in this group and knew that every game would be a battle if they were to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
In the middle of the first half, Lifford dropped concentration at the back for a few seconds and Santos took the opportunity to score their first goal. Just a minute after, Lifford goalkeeper was injured and had to be replaced by coach  and player Jean Da Silva.
Lifford went on the attack in search of an equalising goal and a good one-touch pass between Wainer and Thiago led to the equaliser. Both teams had good scoring chance and with five minute remaining in the first half,  Santos scored again on the counter attack. Again, Lifford fought back and Dnei Junior scored leaving the teams on level terms at the break.
With four minutes remaining, Lifford hit for the front with Roberto making a excellent long pass to Dnei Junior who found the net.
Santos pressed and got their goal to tie with less than two minutes remaining. In the final two minutes, both teams were cautious not to lose the game but Santos made a mistake when on the attack allowing Lifford to go on a counter-attack, which saw Thiago win a free kick close on goal.
Lifford’s effort was stopped and Santos launched a counter-attack but Roberto made an excellent tackle to win back possession. He passed to Wainer who made a great pass to Thiago who was running through the middle and he found the net for the winning goal.
Santos players complained that the time had already elapsed but the referee confirmed the goal.
Lifford will travel back to Dublin this Saturday to face the FAI Cup holder’s English at Gormanston College, Balbriggan at 1pm.