Omagh move into top three after producing performance of season

OMAGH Futsal Club produced arguably their best performance of the season on Sunday when they defeated Rosario 6-4 to leapfrog the Belfast-based outfit and take third position in the Northern Ireland Futsal Federation’s Super League table.

Two goals apiece from Coagh United duo Lee McMenemy and Zach Ferson, as well as goals from Cameron Lucas and Viktor Bormotov secured the narrow victory for Omagh, who, on another day, could have won by significantly more.

Despite their relative profligacy in front of goal, team manager and club chairman, Martin Cassidy, was delighted with what he saw from his back in form side at Omagh Leisure Complex. Omagh started the season on fire, winning five in a row before their lack of squad depth coupled with the unavailability of some players, led to a drop of during a few games which saw them lose a few and draw one.

But they have bounced back in recent weeks, battling back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 at second placed World United and easing to victory over Belfast Iberians, which has left them well placed to seal a top three finish.

“The result last week [against World United] was fantastic and I think it gave the players a little more belief ahead of today [Sunday] which was the best I’ve seen them for a long, long time,” he beamed.

“It could have been plus-10 because they were fantastic, they played really well. It’s the best I’ve seen them play against Rosario ever.

“Top four is our best ever finish in any season, so top three would be progress, which is what we’re always aiming for.

“But at this stage of the season, which is closing in, there are only a couple of games left, it’s a really important result.”

Omagh travel to Belfast this coming Sunday to take on Rosario in the reverse fixture, which Cassidy acknowledges will be tougher for his small squad of talented players, who have exceeded expectations by some distance this season.

“Rosario will be more fired up because of that [result] and they will have more of a squad being at home, but we both had the same numbers today [on Sunday] so that’s no excuse. The boys were on fire and loved it, it was a great game to watch,” he beamed.

“We’re not at full strength and I don’t think we will be this season. We are still in the process of rebuilding and signing new players but if we can do that and still come third that’s real progression.

“We have a real talented core [to the squad] but now you need more, you need a full squad. Sparta [champions and league leaders], for example, have a full squad of 12 every week and have done every week whereas some weeks we’ve had to make do with six players, but that’s the reality of the situation.

“We have a core six or seven, so to be where we’re at I’m very happy and to get the results we’ve got recently I’m delighted.”

OMAGH SQUAD

Tiarnan McNamee, Tristan Hamilton, Cameron Lucas, Zach Ferson, Lee McMenemy, Alexander Ivanushkin, Viktor Bormotov, Illia Milokost.