Saltires grab the Beacon of Light
PYF Saltires sharpened up for the new futsal season by lifting silverware at the Beacon of Light Cup in Sunderland.
The Perth squad were quick to take up an invitation for the inaugural event as preparations continue for the new Super League campaign in September.
And it proved to be a successful trip south with Saltires booking their final place courtesy of an exciting 6-2 win against hosts Sunderland Futsal Club.
The end-to-end showdown against Birmingham Futsal Club also proved to be a thriller with 16 goals netted.
But it was Saltires who were celebrating at the full-time whistle after holding their nerve to run out 10-6 winners.
Kyle Ballingall and Dell Newlands both netted hat-tricks, Scott Ballingall scored twice and Stewart Thomson and Scott Smith also got their name on the scoresheet.
“We were invited to go down through Twitter and felt this would be a good opportunity to test ourselves in preseason and introduce new players to our squad,” said Saltires manager Scott Ballingall.
“We know where we are and now we aim to kick on in preparations for the new season.
“Both matches we played were competitive. We knew the games weren’t going to be easy and the aim of the trip was to get the players back on court playing futsal.
“Winning was an added bonus and is a habit we want to get into.”
Saltires have strengthened ahead of next season with former St Johnstone winger Connor McLaren joining the squad from Zenit St Johnstoun.
Scott Smith, who most recently played his futsal with Fair City Santos, has also been added to the line-up.
“We’ve been working hard to recruit and improve,” Ballingall added.
“Pre-season started at the beginning of July and the players showed we are ready to compete at the next level last weekend.
“We targeted two players to bring in towards the end of last season and signing Scott Smith and Connor McLaren - as well as everyone from last year signing on - has been ideal.
“Scott and Connor are very good players and have now trained with the squad so are aware of the style we play and will make us stronger.”
Having lifted the Scottish Futsal Cup last term, Saltires are now determined to impress further.
Ballingall said: “The aim is always to win the league, this year we are better prepared and ready to go from September.
“With the Scottish Cup win last year, we showed we are going from strength to strength with this young squad and this season is the year we aim to compete more consistently.”