On Saturday 4 October, Bootham Ladies undertook one of their longest away trips of the season as they travelled to face Birmingham WLV at the University of Wolverhampton. This fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the two sides, and with Birmingham regarded as one of the top four teams in the country, Bootham faced a formidable challenge.

Confidence was high, however, after back-to-back wins, and there was quiet optimism that Bootham might spring an upset. Adding further strength to the squad were the welcome returns of Allegra Sellschop-Evans and Ruby Shaw, both making their first appearances of the season following injury. The squad: Allegra Sellschop-Evans (GK), Nikki Brown, Jess Barnes, Jess Baker, Charlotte Broad, Heather Smith, Ellie Whittaker (C), Ruby Shaw and Natasha Eustance.

1st Half

Bootham had high hopes for a shock win today, but two early goals for Birmingham put them on the back foot. A Bootham corner caused mayhem in the Birmingham defence, and Smith volleyed home from close range to give the visitors hope.

Bootham created several good chances through Smith and Brown, but they couldn’t force the ball over the line. The home side, by contrast, were clinical in front of goal and added three more well-taken strikes before half-time to seal a commanding lead.

Half Time – Birmingham 5 – 1 Bootham

2nd Half

A much-improved performance after the break saw a far more even contest. With better pressure on the ball and greater confidence to move it quickly around the court, Bootham were able to create more opportunities, though they couldn’t convert them into goals. As Bootham pushed forward in search of a comeback, Birmingham struck on the counter and scored at regular intervals.

Bootham had the final word, however, when Eustance smashed the ball high into the Birmingham net for a well-deserved consolation goal. All in all, the home side played some fantastic futsal, and Bootham can hold their heads high, knowing they are moving in the right direction.

Full Time – Birmingham 9 – 2 Bootham

A reflective Coach Chris spoke to us after the game and said, ‘On one hand, I’m pleased with how we responded in this game, but I’m also disappointed with some of the goals we conceded. Individual errors gifted Birmingham a few chances, and with top sides, you know they will punish you. We created plenty of opportunities ourselves, but at the moment they are just not going in.’

‘We did well to stop some of their promising attacks by doubling up, but when we won the ball back, we rushed our play and gave it away far too quickly. I think the players need to trust each other more with the ball, even when under pressure. They know they can do it, it is just about having that belief in each other. It was a pleasure to watch some of Birmingham’s play. The pivot play from Annie Highway was a delight to watch, and I hope our younger players learned from observing her.’

‘The games do not get any easier, as next week we go to Bolton, another top four team who will put us under severe pressure. We have to go there with a positive mindset and all give 100 percent for the team.’

Match Highlights:

Unfortunately, our VEO camera had some technical issues, so we don’t have match highlights to share this week.

Player of the Match — chosen by Coach Chris and Captain Ellie, was vice captain Jess Baker. Jess is starting to show the excellent form from her first season, making some fantastic defensive tackles and providing good opportunities in the attacking half.

A few images from the game: