York City Futsal’s Robbie Bettson was again on international duty as England slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Poland in the first of their double-header at St George’s Park on Saturday evening.
The Three Lions actually took an early lead through skipper Raoni Medina’s close-range finish on seven minutes, but that was soon cancelled out by their slick opponents.
Bettson, who received a first-half caution, made a number of appearances off the bench during the contest, while the Polish wasted little opportunity in utilising a fly goalkeeper during both periods of the game.
They were ultimately to be rewarded for their progressive approach after the break when moving in front following a well-worked free-kick routine.
James Webb and Richard Ward were then both denied by the restored keeper at the other end, while goalscorer Medina was blocked on the line before Stuart Cook also went close.
Nevetheless, Mark Croft was always busy in the home goal, making several notable stops until being replaced by ex-York keeper Jonny Sim after suffering a late knock.
However, the visitors struck a very late third goal when with Webb displacing club colleague Sim as an outfield keeper, his opposite number found the vacated net from distance.
The two sides meet again on Sunday evening, kick-off 5.00pm.
England: Mark Croft (Volare Poligano), Stuart Cook (London Helvecia), Maximilian Kilman (London Helvecia), Liam Palfreeman (London Helvecia), Raoni Medina (London Helvecia), Richard Ward (London Helvecia), James Webb (London Helvecia), Douglas Reed (Manchester), Robbie Bettson (York City), Calvin Dickson (London Helvecia), Russell Goldstein (London Helvecia), Jason Kilbride (Loughborough), Curtis Mason (Kettering), Will Rooke (Loughborough), Jonny Sim (London Helvecia), Guillermo Wallace (Prato Calcio A5), Dean Withers (Birmingham Futsal)
Photo by kind permission of Ian Parker
