Bootham travelled across the Pennies again to face Manchester Futsal in their latest League Cup game. After a resounding performance against Warrington last week, confidence was high for another good performance. Bootham were without Natascha Eustance and Nikki Brown, but in came Rowan Treagus and Suzy Collins.

Bootham were represented by:

Katie Samson (GK), Ellie Whittaker (C), Ava Worthy, Jess Baker, Jessica Barnes, Suzy Collins, Rowan Treagus, Lauryn Zareba-Gilbank (GK), Lucy Hudson and Ruby Shaw.

1st Half

Bootham got off to the perfect start when Treagus scored after a flowing move involving Baker, Whittaker, and Barnes. Treagus nearly added a second when she robbed the defender in front of goal, but the keeper saved well. Shaw feed Hudson in front but again the goalkeeper came to Manchesters rescue. Moments later Hudson made amends when she finished another sweeping Bootham move with her first goal of the season. From the kick off, came the turning point in the match, Treagus again stole the ball from the Manchester player and ran through on goal, somehow her shot didn’t cross the line. From the rebound Manchester broke up court and Samson initial save hit a Bootham defender and rolled into the empty net. Bootham recovered well and another full court move saw Treagus hit the foot of the post. A long ball from Whittaker saw Worthy mishit her shot at the back post. Next Collins was denied in front by the Manchester goalkeeper after a precision pass from Barnes. Manchester drew level with a well worked goal, and just before the break Shaw hit the foot of the post.

Half Time: Manchester 2 – Bootham 2

2nd Half

Manchester started the 2nd half on top, with Bootham’s passing being sloppy. But after 5 minutes Whittaker put Baker through 1v1, but she couldn’t beat the Manchester keeper. Moments later Baker fired over from a free kick in front, as Bootham looked to regain the advantage. Manchester took the lead with a well taken goal after a deep break. Bootham were not beat and Treagus forced two good saves, before Collins again was denied from in front. In the best move of the game, involving all the Bootham players, some slick passing saw Worthy denied by a last gasp tackle. With virtually the last kick of the game, Manchester grabbed a fourth. The final score didn’t do Bootham justice after a tremendous team performance.

Full Time: Manchester 4 – Bootham 2

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After a frustrating game Coach Chris spoke to us, ‘That kind of sums up our season now, controlling lots of the game, dictating play, creating plenty of chances but just not winning the game. I think we were especially hard done by today. One moment in the match summed up the game – we had one kicked off the line, which would have made it 3-0, but somehow it doesn’t go in, and within 30 seconds Katie makes a great save at the other end but the ball rebounds off our player and into the net, to make it 2-1. It can be a very cruel game, and today was just one of those days. Last year we won games like this, we managed to convert a lot of chance but for whatever reason this season, they are just not going in.

He continued by saying, ‘We have worked hard in training on our finishing. We are getting into the final third very well and getting lots of different players into goal scoring situations, it’s just not going in. I think the goalkeepers this season have improved and, we need to take a little more care in these finishing areas. On the one hand I am very happy that we are creating chances, lots of players working hard in these forward areas, but we must start converting them. I know the players are frustrated; they know they probably should have won today. That said the spirt in the team is very high, we are improving again in certain areas, and players are becoming more comfortable in their roles.

He finished by commenting on several key players, ‘I am so pleased for Lucy today, she took her goal well. She has come on this journey with us, been part of the side that had some dark days. Last week she could have had a hat trick but for the Warrington goalkeeper. She never complains and is a key part of this Bootham squad. Jess Baker looks so comfortable in the way she plays, she dominates the centre of the court and today playing against the England Deaf Captain, looked very composed. As for Ruby Shaw, we must remember she is only 16, playing her first year of futsal, but what a start to her futsal journey. Her decision making, composure on the ball and passing just make you sit back and watch with pride on her performance. On top of all these futsal traits she is just a fantastic young lady.

Click here to see highlights from the game

Players of The Match as picked by Captain Ellie Whittaker – Jess Baker and Ruby Shaw – Jess has been outstanding since the start of the season and with Charlotte Broad’s long-term injury, has taken over in that safety role. She pretty much dominated the game, and her passing caused problems for Manchester all game. Ruby is just growing with each game. What impressed us today was her composure on the ball in tight areas. Several times today she could have just cleared the ball and surrendered possession, but she didn’t, she stayed on the ball and passed her way out, brilliant to watch.