Boro keep in top spot and qualify for the FA Futsal Cup finals (by virtue of being in the top two at the half-way stage) with a win over Grimsby YMCA.  Prosser, Leyshon and Wootton all scored braces, while Robbie Bettson scored his first three goals for the club, including a 10 metre penalty.

The scoreline suggests the win was more comfortable than it was at times as Grimsby had the better of the early part of the second half, but couldn't quite level the proceedings as Boro kept their nose in front.

An early goal from Jon Prosser and a quick second from Leyshon gave Boro control before Wootton opened up a three goal lead.  Boro's solid defence was on top and the counter attacks causing Grimsby problems.  It wasn't until Wootton conceded a penalty for a slide in the box that Withers' goal was breached.  Wootton tracked his man back and before he could fire a shot away, Wootton slid alongside him to block the ball's projectory.  A slide is allowed to block, and it was a debatable decision by the referees to give Grimsby a lifeline.  Hornigold converted on the second attempt after it had to be retaken.

Grimsby came out in the second half with more fire than Boro and took the early initiative to get back into the game.  They pulled one back and a repeat of the Manchester comeback was threatening to strike, but Prosser scored his second goal to reopen a two goal lead.

Grimsby YMCA poured forward, leaving themselves vulnerable, but it paid off and once again they came back into the game at 4-3, but Robbie Bettson scored his first goal for Boro from a pull back from Leyshon.  The seasiders had their best period of the game pushing Boro back and they could have turned the game on its head but for some fantastic saves from Withers.  They only scored one as Boro weathered the storm and Middlesbrough received some respite when Grimsby's 6th foul resulted in a 10 metre penalty.  Ryon Leyshon stepped up, but the kick was placed wide and Grimsby's assault continued.

Another dubious foul on David Herbert, which left the defender unable to continue and Robbie Bettson stepped up to the mark to take the second 10 metre penalty.  He duly put it into the bottom corner and the game turned back in Boro's favour.

Ryon Leyshon bagged his second shortly after as Grimsby's energies were sapped up.  Bettson completed his hattrick and Wootton finished off the game with a cheeky chip over the goalkeeper to make it 9-4.

Boro showed signs of hitting top gear, and defended well for large parts of the game.  They coped well with Grimsby's pressure and held on to take an important three points.  Three points that guarantees them a place in the last 16 of the FA Futsal Cup, and more importantly, three points towards a place in the playoffs at the end of the season. 

Middlesbrough are unbeaten at the half way stage, only drawing to Sheffield and Manchester, and similar form in the remaining six games would secure a playoff place.  Next up is Sheffield at home on 17th May and in the mean time they can concentrate on the North Riding Cup.

Squad:  Withers, Herbert, Wootton, Bettson, Leyshon, Kilbride, Prosser and Rashid