Bootham Ladies made their third away trip in three weeks when they visited Manchester in the latest round of the Women’s Super Series League Cup. In all previous meeting Bootham had tasted defeat, but with 3 wins in a row, Bootham were feeling confident they make amends this time.

Jess Barnes and Jess Baker returned to the squad with Harriet Chadwick, Nikki Brown and Rowan Treagus being rested. Again, goalkeeping duties were shared between the excellent Allegra Sellschop-Evans and Katie Samson.

The starting 5 were Charlotte Broad, Ruby Shaw, Jess Barnes, Allegra Sellschop-Evans (GK) and Natasha Eustance. On the bench were Ellie Whittaker (C), Suzy Collins, Kim Samson, Ava Worthy, Heather Smith, Jess Baker and Katie Samson (GK).

1st Half

The game started slowly with both sides getting a feel for the ball. First real chance fell to Manchester, but Sellschop-Evans saved well at the second attempt. Bootham were growing into the game and a slick move involving Eustance and Barnes, saw Shaw nearly finish from in front. Sellschop-Evans was again called into action and saved well from an angle shot. Bootham nearly took the lead when Eustance found Barnes but her shot went harmlessly wide. Barnes made amends immediately with probably the goal of the season. A long ball from Eustance found Barnes unmarked with her back to goal, instead of taking a touch, she calmly flicked the ball first time past the bewildered Manchester goalkeeper, such class from one of the players of the season! The impressive Baker charged down a free kick from the edge of the D before Manchester drew level after a Bootham mistake. Late on Sellschop-Evans made 2 saves as the game approached half time.

Half Time – Manchester 1 – 1 Bootham

2nd Half

Bootham step up their press at the start of the second half and player of the match Eustance fed Baker, but her shot was saved by the Manchester goalkeeper. Good pressure saw Barnes win the ball high up the court, with the rebound dropping invitingly for Shaw, but she blazed her shot over the bar. Manchester was struggling to contain Eustance and her driving run and shot went just went wide. Manchester thought they had taken the lead but for an amazing goalie clearance from Barnes. Bootham was awarded a free kick after another driving run from Eustance, which saw her clinically brought down on the edge of the D, and Eustance promptly slammed the ball home! Straight from the kick off, Barnes won the ball and fed Eustance who finished smartly from in front. Samson saved well after a driving run from the Manchester player before Manchester got one back from a well worked free kick. Late on Broad converted a Baker kick-in to extend Bootham’s lead.

Full Time – Manchester 2 – 4 Bootham

A delight Coach Chris spoke to us after the game, he said, ‘Another good performance on the road and our fourth in a row, I must be happy with that. If I am honest, we didn’t play as well as we can, but to still win the game is a credit to the way the team played. Everyone put a shift in today, and we never let our heads drop, especially 2nd half when Manchester really came at us. I am especially delighted to have finally beaten Manchester after 5 losses in a row. We have played very well here in the past and not come away with anything so today was especially pleasing.’

‘We had to dig in and battle at times today, and there was some desperate defending, with Jess Barnes clearing one off the line. But we still looked dangerous when we went forward, and we can cause any team a problem, at times we just need to believe in ourselves and be more positive with our play.’

When asked about Jess Barnes goal, he said, ‘I think we may as well just close the goal of the season now, that was simply outrageous. The confidence to try and then to execute it to perfection is stunning. That said, the way Jess has started the season I am not surprised she did this, she is becoming a total futsal player. She makes tackles she shouldn’t make, passes that are full court and at times looks as good as any player I have seen this year. I am just so pleased I don’t have to play against her!

He finished by saying, ‘That is 4 wins in a row, with first wins against Sunderland and Manchester, and the whole squad are contributing to the goals and the overall performance. We are not relying on one or two players but the whole squad is looking very strong. Next week we entertain Bolton in York, last year’s National Champions, so what a way to finish the year. I would encourage everyone to come and watch this, it will be an absolute cracker! We have nothing to lose, we can give it everything and you just never know what can happen in the cup….’

Player of the Match as chosen by Captain Ellie was Natasha Eustance – when Natasha plays like this she is virtually unplayable. She can go past players with ease and creates so many chances for other players. She is now adding goals to her game and becoming a seriously good futsal player – very well deserved Nat.

A few images from the day…