After last week’s emphatic win in their first ever match against Dorset, Bootham were back on the road to Nottingham to take on another new opponent in the league, Southampton Aztec Reserves. The two sides had crossed paths briefly at the Southampton Summer Futsal Festival, where neither team could edge the other, adding an extra spark to this much-anticipated encounter.

Still managing absences through illness and injury, Coach Chris was boosted by the return of the top talent Charlotte Broad and the inclusion of exciting teenager Erin Elliott, both slotting back into the match day squad with real energy.

Squad: Nikki Brown, Charlotte Broad, Suzy Collins, Steph Hughes (GK), Heather Smith, Ellie Whittaker (C), Jess Baker, Erin Elliott and Natasha Eustance.

1st Half

Bootham started brightly, immediately putting Southampton under pressure. Elliott almost struck early after a clever lofted pass from Smith, and the breakthrough soon followed when Brown exchanged passes with Smith before firing confidently into the net. Smith, heavily involved throughout, then hit the post and forced a strong save moments later.

Bootham doubled their lead when Broad’s superb long pass found Brown, who coolly lifted the ball over the keeper. Southampton quickly pulled one back, but Bootham kept pushing. A brilliant run from Eustance set up Broad to feed Smith, who went close again.

Their persistence paid off as Eustance slipped a perfect ball to Whittaker, who finished with style to restore the cushion. Another sharp move saw Eustance and Broad combine for Brown, whose powerful effort crashed off the bar.

Southampton grabbed a goal just before halftime, but Bootham went in having played some of their most confident and exciting futsal yet.

Half Time – Bootham 3 – 2 Southampton Aztec Reserves

2nd Half

Bootham knew they needed a fast start to the second half and very nearly got it when Baker almost found Elliott in front. Brown then struck the frame of the goal after good work from Broad, but minutes later Baker found Broad in front and she finished calmly. A great move involving the whole team saw Eustance drag her shot just wide. Southampton were not beaten and grabbed one back.

Elliott saw her long-range shot tipped over by the goalkeeper as Bootham pushed hard again. After a fine save from Hughes, Broad broke clear and her cross-court pass found Whittaker, who smashed home her second of the day. Again Southampton dug deep and grabbed one back from a comical Bootham own goal. Late chances for Eustance and Broad came and went before Southampton smashed home the equaliser with 50 seconds to go.

Game over? Not a chance. A controversial handball gave Bootham a free kick 10 metres from goal, and with only 2.7 seconds left, Eustance smashed the ball into the back of the net. What a finish, what a game!

Full Time – Bootham 6 – 5 Southampton Aztec Reserves

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Following the game, an almost speechless Coach Chris reflected on a truly thrilling finish, ‘I think I have finally got my breath back. What an incredible game that had absolutely everything. Goals, drama, spectacular strikes, two teams refusing to give in, and an unforgettable ending. Huge credit to Southampton today. They showed tremendous spirit, fought back brilliantly, and if they had won it right at the end, you could not have said they didn’t deserve it.”

When asked about the performance, he said, ‘We started really well. We were patient, composed, and stretched Southampton across the court. We fully deserved to take the lead. Southampton kept responding though and were always a threat. On a small court like this it is easier for teams to close the space, but even so, we created a huge number of chances. On another day we score four or five more. The creativity and effort from the players was fantastic.‘

Reflecting on the dramatic final moments, he added, ‘I have watched the foul again. It is one of those fifty fifty calls and I completely understand why Southampton were frustrated. But then with only 2.7 seconds left, Nat steps up and smashes the ball into the corner. What composure. What confidence. To do that at the very end was unbelievable.‘

He concluded with optimism about the weeks ahead, ‘We have a short break now before heading to Peterborough. They are a young side with real talent, so we will prepare properly, learn from this match, and aim to finish the year on a real high. I am proud of the ladies today. Their character, resilience, and desire were clear for everyone to see.‘

Match Highlights:

Player of the Match — chosen by Coach Chris, was Natasha Eustance. Her decision-making over the last two games has gone through the roof, and when she’s on the ball, especially in those 1v1s, she is an absolute nightmare for any team in this division. And that winner she smashed in? Outrageous. Unreal. Match-stealing magic. Top job, Tricky-Dicky Nat — take a bow!

Images from today’s epic encounter: