Tuesday 1 July 2025

With the morning’s result going Bootham’s way, the girls knew that a win or even a draw today would secure their place in the semi-finals. The intense heat and the demands of playing on such large courts were beginning to take their toll, but the team’s determination remained unshaken.

Their opponents were the home club, Montesilvano, a well-drilled and confident side accustomed to playing on big courts in front of passionate fans. The team included a player recently called up to the full Italian ladies squad, adding to the challenge. It promised to be a tough test, but the girls were well rested and mentally prepared. They were focused and ready to give everything on the court to earn their spot in the next stage of the tournament.

With the loudest crowd of the tournament so far watching on, the question remained: could the girls rise to the occasion?

First Half

Within the first five minutes, Bootham should have taken the lead when Heather’s long ball found Erin, who powered a header goalward, only to be denied by a smart save from the keeper. Bootham kept the pressure high and deservedly went ahead shortly after when Erin unleashed a long-range shot that sailed into the far post.

Molly came close to doubling the lead when she struck the inside of the post following a strong, driving run from Heather. Despite Bootham’s dominance, the hosts managed to pull level against the run of play. Bootham felt that Heather was being held during the build-up to the goal, but the equaliser stood.

Half Time: Bootham 1 – 1 Montesilvano

Second Half

The second half was much more even, with both sides trading chances. Heather came close when she unleashed a fierce shot that scorched the goalkeeper’s gloves from close range.

The next goal would prove crucial, and Bootham grabbed it when Lacey intercepted the ball at halfway and quickly fed Molly, who calmly finished beneath the advancing keeper.

Montesilvano responded with a roaring comeback, leveling the score after a brilliant solo run. But Bootham weren’t done. Erin scored one of the goals of the tournament, smashing a direct free kick home from almost halfway — an absolute screamer.

Late in the game, Abbie sealed the victory with a well-taken goal following some excellent work from Molly. Bootham ran out deserved winners in front of the passionate home crowd and secured their place in the tournament semi-finals.

Full Time: Bootham 4 – 2 Montesilvano

Final league table:

VEO video of the game:

The live feed from the tournament:

And the highlights from the organisers:

Post-Match Reflections

A happy Coach Chris spoke to us immediately after the game. He said, ‘I am so proud of each of these players. They gave everything today to get that win. We asked them to start on the front foot and take the game to the home side, and boy, did they do that.

When we came to this tournament, we had no expectations. We talked about scoring a goal, let alone winning a game. So to have qualified for the semi-finals is way beyond anything we dreamed about. This is some special group.

Tonight we rest, see what happens, and then go again tomorrow against another very strong Bloomsbury team.’

Images from day 3 – all curtsy of Suzy Collins: