On Saturday 4 October, we welcomed Project Futsal Liverpool to York St John’s Sports Barn for our opening game. Returning to the league after a year away, Liverpool are always a strong, organised and well-coached side, so we knew from the outset that this would be a tough test for a much-changed Bootham team.

After what seemed like an eternity, and with the league now being run by England Futsal, we finally got our first game of the season underway. With seven players from our championship-winning side moving on, the summer has been one of recruitment, promoting players from within the club and, in many ways, starting again.

There were four debutants in the Bootham squad. Scarlett Davies stepped into the goalkeeping role following Katie’s departure, academy graduate Hattie Formhals made her first-team debut, while new signings Jazz Whitworth and Eva Browning took their places on the bench. It was a new-look squad, but one that has worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for the challenge ahead.

The full Bootham squad was: Jess Baker (C), Heather Smith, Erin Elliott, Scarlett Davies, Liz Craven, Suzy Collins, Jazz Whitworth, Eva Browning and Hattie Formhals.

First Half:

In a cagey opening, both teams took their time to suss out their options, with Davies in the Bootham goal being tested before Elliott brought the first save from the visitors’ goalkeeper. Elliott went close again before debutant Whitwell saw her long-range effort saved well. Bootham went from one end to the other with smart play from Collins and Smith, before Whitwell saw her cross roll agonisingly across the face of an open goal. Bootham’s pressure finally paid dividends when Elliott smashed home from a corner. Smith then went close twice in as many minutes with moments of pure genius, before finally getting her name on the scoresheet. Picking the ball up around halfway, she drove forward before finishing low with a left-foot shot.

Half Time – Bootham 2 – Project Futsal Liverpool 0

Second Half:

Bootham started where they left off, creating three great chances in the opening seven minutes. First, Formhals rolled the ball across the face of goal, but the inrushing Baker just couldn’t reach it. Next, Elliott’s long-range effort smashed against the crossbar before bouncing onto the post, but somehow stayed out. Whitwell was then brought down after a mesmerising dribble, before smashing her free kick just wide of the post. Bootham were made to pay for those missed opportunities as Liverpool grabbed three goals in five minutes. Davies was still performing heroics in the Bootham goal, but was eventually beaten again from long range. Liverpool added a fifth before a scramble in front of goal saw Collins just fail to connect with the goal beckoning. Late on, Whitwell smashed the outside of the post from close range, but Liverpool held on to secure the win.

Full Time – Bootham 2 – Project Futsal Liverpool 5

Link to the latest NFS Tier 2 league table

A defiant Coach Chris spoke to us after his team’s defeat:

“I’m gutted for the players with that result. They deserved so much more. At half-time we were very happy with where we were and felt we had a real chance of seeing the game out, but it just wasn’t to be. When you watch the game back, we had four really good chances to go 3-0 ahead, but we couldn’t take them. Within three minutes, we were 3-2 down. In a nutshell, that’s futsal!”

He went on to praise the four debutants who stepped onto the court for the first time. “Scarlett was immense in goal. She’s only been playing futsal for a few weeks, but she looked really solid and gave us a lot of confidence. Jazz got better as the game went on and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when her shot smashed against the post. Once she settles, she’s going to cause teams some big problems this season. Eva, who also has very limited futsal experience, had a great half and showed us exactly what potential she has. We already know the quality Hattie has, and as the season progresses, I’m sure she’ll start to show it.”

Speaking about the absence of Eleanor and Daisy, Chris was clearly frustrated. “I have to be careful with what I say because I could get myself into real trouble, but I’m angry and disappointed with the way the league dealt with this. We have been penalised for something we haven’t done. Both players are massive for us and, 100%, we missed them today. We just hope the rules are applied consistently across the rest of the season and to all clubs.”

Chris finished by looking at the bigger picture. “We knew where we were at as a club coming into this season, and overall I’m pleased with what I saw. The first half was a great start to the season, but we faded badly in the second half. I’m not sure 5-2 was the correct scoreline based on the chances we had, but full credit to Liverpool for their comeback.

“We’ll go away, lick our wounds and come back stronger next time. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who came out and gave us such amazing support today. It really does mean a lot to everyone at the club.”

Player of the Match – Scarlett Davies

In her first-ever National League game, Scarlett looked comfortable, solid and composed throughout. She didn’t give the ball away once and made some stunning saves that very nearly helped us get back into the game. With only a few weeks of futsal experience, her performance was even more impressive. She showed a fantastic attitude, plenty of confidence and a real willingness to learn. A position we had been worried about all summer is now well and truly sorted! 🙌 Top, top performance, Scarlett! 👏⚽️

A few images from today: