Reading Royals celebrated their ten-year anniversary in style as their men’s team secured the FA NFS Tier 2 Midlands/South West title at Bradfield College.
It is the highest honour the club has received to date, and now gives them the opportunity to confirm promotion to Tier One – the elite national level of futsal in the country, where games are regularly shown live on BT Sport – through the Tier 2 play-offs.
With a supportive crowd watching on from the side-line, Royals started on the front foot against Bedford.
Despite dominating possession, they found attack after attack thwarted by Bedford’s inspired keeper. It would take 10 minutes for top scorer Josh Gillespie to eventually break the deadlock.
Rather than turn the tide, Royals found that the Bedford goal continued to lead a charmed life.
The score remained 1-0 through half-time, despite several one-on-one and open goal chances. Royals continued to push, and were eventually rewarded with a five-minute burst midway through the second half, which saw goals from Dan Abrahamson, Seth Burkett and a second from Gillespie.
A consolation from Bedford made it 4-1, encouraging Royals to keep possession and see the clock tick down in the final moments.
The buzzer brought celebrations on the court and on the sidelines.
Captain Phil Lant said: “To win the league in the club’s 10th year is special. It’s been a strong league to play in, there have been some fantastic games and we had to overcome different challenges along the way. We will continue to work hard to achieve our goals. Bring on the play-offs.”
Royals now conclude their league campaign away at Loughborough Students B at the end of April before their first play-off game against North champions Derby.
