Another week, and another cup game, and this time a real challenge. Bolton, top of Tier 1 and unbeaten this season rolled into town to provide Bootham with their stiffest test of the season. Returning to the squad since the opening day of the season came Katie Samson, with Nikki Brown and Rowan Treagus both available to start.

Bootham were represented by:

Katie Samson (GK), Lauryn Zareba-Gilbank (GK), Charlotte Broad, Kimberly Samson, Ellie Whittaker (C), Ava Worthy, Jess Baker, Jessica Barnes, Natasha Eustance, Nikki Brown, Rowan Treagus and Ruby Shaw.

1st Half

In a very even first 10 minutes both sides tested the oppositions goalkeeper on several occasions but were unable to find the first break through. The first real chance of the half came when Baker intercepted a long pass and Treagus fired straight at the keeper from in front. Brown hit the post from a tight angle when she robbed the Bolton safety. Bootham were starting to get on top and Brown again fired over when she intercepted a Bolton clearance. Keeper Zareba-Gilbank saved smartly from a fast break by Bolton, getting down low to stop a close-range effort. Bootham got themselves in front when a Treagus received a kick-in from Eustance and fired inside the near post from close range. Bolton came back with great intent and scored two goals to make the lead. Treagus had a good chance from just outside the D but the keeper saved well. Bolton added two more before the break to go into halftime with a comfortable lead.

Half Time: Bootham 1 – Bolton 4

2nd Half

Bootham pushed hard at the start of the second half for the next goal and a double save from the Bolton keeper denied Samson on a fast break. Two chances for Baker came and went before Bolton flew their keeper and scored a well worked goal. Next Brown hit the post and the goalkeeper from an inch perfect through ball from Treagus, but somehow the ball didn’t go into the net. Brilliant feet from Eustance saw her effort cleared off the line, it just wasn’t Bootham’s day. Before the end Bolton scored 3 goals with no reply from the home side to run out comfortable winners.

Full time: Bootham 1 – Bolton 8

Click here to see images from the game

After the game a disappointed Coach Chris spoke to us and said, ‘Not the result we wanted but we must be happy with the way we played. Bolton are the best in the country for a reason, their movement, passing and above else their finishing showed what a top-quality outfit they are. For the first 15 minutes we gave as good as we got and could have scored more goals. We matched them physically, and all our players did as we asked them to do, give it 100%. I think in the end we lost a bit of our shape and allowed Bolton to dictate the game more than I hoped. I have to be honest and say I don’t think the score line was a fair reflection of the game, it just wasn’t our day in front of goal.’

He went on to say, ‘One of the big differences today was the finishing, Bolton hardly wasted a chance, and were very clinical in front of goal. They made sure they worked the best opportunities they could and worked the ball as close to goal as possible. We still tend to shoot from too far away and we need to learn patience, to build the attack and get closer to the D. We also must trust ourselves with the ball and play out from under pressure. Players need to be confident to receive the ball and move it under a lot of pressure. We can do it and at times today looked very good when we did, but then we also gave the ball away with an aimless pass.’

When asked about playing Bolton, he said, ‘We must play these sides to see what we need to work on. We must challenge ourselves against bigger and better teams, and they don’t get much bigger than Bolton. It was an absolute pleasure to share a court with them and a huge thank you for the kind words they said afterwards. I will enjoy watching that first 15 minutes for a long time, it showed as a club we are moving in the right direction.’

He finished by saying, ‘A huge thank you to Aspect 4 Limited for their match sponsorship and Raya for being an amazing mascot. We had our fantastic crowd back today, and they really helped. We do not take any of them for granted and the support they show the ladies is amazing, thank you so very much to every one of you!’

Click here to see highlights from the game

Player of The Match as picked by Chris Collins, on behalf of Match Sponsor Aspect 4 Limited – Lauryn Zareba-Gilbank and Ava Worthy – Todays players of the match were picked by Coach Chris. Lauryn had a fantastic first half and her saves kept us in the game. Ava has had a frustrating time lately sat on the bench, but it speaks highly of her attitude that she hasn’t complained once.