Herman’s heroics shut Messi out

Underdog side JAFC upset ladder leaders It’s About To Get Messi to bring home the Port Hedland Futsal League grand final win last week.

The team, which finished second on the ladder, came out on top thanks to an almost unbeatable performance from goalkeeper Matthew Herman.

It’s About To Get Messi dominated play in the first half but struggled to put the ball past JAFC’s brick wall goalkeeper until the last few minutes of the half, when Dylan Buhagiar blasted one from distance.

But JAFC struck back immediately with Izzy Razali’s quick feet taking on most of the field and slotting it into the back of the net.

From there on out it was goal for goal, with spectators watching on eagerly, expecting a penalty shoot-out would be the deciding factor.

Unfortunately for league leaders Messi, who had finished the regular season with a goal difference of plus 120, the shots weren’t flowing in the final.

The second half saw a gassed Messi side trying to keep up with JAFC, who had four substitutes compared to their zero — a factor that proved fatal for the side who dominated the league all year.

The man of the match was awarded to Herman, who was the definitive factor in providing his team the win.

The Ballon d’pOrt award for league MVP was given to Sam Spargo, pictured above, who scored 67 goals for It’s About to Get Messi throughout the season, also earning the golden boot.