Bootham Ladies played their last league game of the 2023-24 National Futsal Series, with an away trip to Project Futsal Liverpool. The ladies were looking to finish 3rd in the league, equalling their performance from last year. Talented teenager Sophie Tomlinson had her first call up to the ladies team but Bootham were without Rowan Treagus and Jessica Barnes.

Bootham were represented by:

Ellie Whittaker (C), Jessica Baker, Nikki Brown, Ava Worthy, Lauryn Zareba (GK), Ruby Shaw, Katie Samson (GK), Kimberly Samson, Suzy Collins, Heather Smith, Natasha Eustance and Sophie Tomlinson.

1st Half

In a tight first half, first blood went to Bootham, when Browns’ shot was parred by the goalkeeper and Whittaker scored from close range. A mistake from Bootham gifted Liverpool the equaliser, before Eustance ceased on a poor pass to restore the lead. Liverpool equalised before Worthy went close for Bootham. Liverpool went in front from a corner and added a fourth 5 minutes before the end of the half. Next came the goal of the game when Eustance intercepted a pass and ran virtually the length of the court before smashing a left foot cross into the far corner. On the stroke of halftime Shaw equalised at the 2nd post after more good work from Brown.

Half Time: Project Futsal Liverpool 4 – Bootham 4

2nd Half

The second half was a one-way affair as Liverpool scored at regular intervals. A breakaway goal was finished well, before Baker went close with a long range shot. Brown saw her shot saved by the Liverpool goalkeeper before Liverpool extended their lead. Samson went close from close range before another Liverpool break saw them further ahead from a corner. Another well worked goal from Liverpool saw them move clear before Eustance missed from close range. Liverpool finished the scoring to finish a one-way half.

Full Time: Project Futsal Liverpool 9 – Bootham 4

A frustrated Coach Chris said in conversation, ‘Well I think that has been our whole season in one match – very good at times and very poor in others. We started slowly but came back strong to make to 4-4 at halftime and we knew exactly what we needed to do to win the match, but for whatever reason we were unable to execute the plan. Too many individual errors cost us today, especially in the second half, not tracking runners and were made to pay.’

He continued, ‘We played some fantastic futsal at various parts of the game today’s but were just not able to dominate the game like we have recently. Huge well done to Liverpool, they played very well and scored when they were on top, and personally I know the best team won. Looking forward to next season we need to find a way to become more consistent with how we play, and especially how you control games. We had enough of the ball to score more, especially in the 2nd half, but didn’t convert those chances.’

He finished by saying, ‘We have the National Plate Final to look forward to at the end of May, which really does mean the season has been a massive success. We had 5 players in the squad today who are still in their first season with the club, so to achieve what we have done is real pat on the back to all the hard work they have done. The players were very disappointed in how they played today, which shows they really do care about the club and the progress we have made. We will go away, train very hard and go and do everything we can to win that National Title.’

Players of The Match – Nikki Brown – She was an absolute inspiration today, working hard both in possession and creating so many dangerous opportunities today. She has been a massive player for us this season and one I really hope we can persuade to stay next season.

A few pictures from a frustrating day: