Tranmere Rovers Futsal secured consecutive league triumphs with a high scoring 9-6 home victory against Loughborough Futsal.
Braces from Best, Bryers and Saunders, as well as strikes from Gomez, Sandham and Whelan completed the goal fest for TRFC in a free flowing contest against the visiting side who sit in a mid-table position in the FA Futsal Division One North.
It was a cagey opening to the 3pm kick off, with both sides struggling to create any clear cut chances. A speculative hit from the Captain Bryers which blazed over the bar and a shot on target by Whelan were the only signs of a possible breakthrough.
The deadlock was eventually broken by Rovers midway through the first half. Number nine Best was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range.
The lead was doubled minutes later when Gomez found himself bearing down on the Loughborough stopper, and calmly chipped the ball over his outstretched hand; nestling into the bottom corner.
The goals kept coming for Tranmere when in the 18th minute Saunders’ audacious back heeled attempt took the stopper by surprise and sailed into the net. Soon after it was four, after Sandham struck home from a tight angle.
Everything looked to be in control for TRFC as the break was fast approaching, but the opposition showed resilience to fight back not once but twice, to go into the half way mark with a much more competitive looking score line.
This resurgence from Loughborough appeared to be continuing at the beginning of the second half, when they reduced the deficit to one goal making it 4-3.
However just a minute later, Saunders had his second of the match to restore some breathing space for Tranmere.
It was then time for Best to replicate the achievements of his team mate Saunders, adding his second of the game making it 6-3.
Loughborough fired back with a goal of their own, before Bryers stepped up and thundered the ball, rebounding of the woodwork into the back of the net.
With the score at 7-4 with fewer than ten minutes remaining, the visitor’s spirit never waned as they fired home their fifth, but two goals in double quick time from Bryers and Whelan saw Rovers put to bed any doubt about the result.
There was some consolation for Loughborough, as they scored with one of the last kicks of the game to make it 9-6, and add to an impressive overall match goal tally.
Rovers have a break from league action next weekend as they take on Liverpool Futsal in the cup, and TRFC will be hoping for a Derby day win.