On Saturday 28 January, Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – York played their fifth game of the FA Futsal Women’s Super Series North Tier 2 against Derby Futsal Club Women at home. It was Bootham’s first home game of the year, against the side who beat them at the end of last year.

With injuries and other commitments, Coach Chris gave debuts to Alice Purdy and Colombe Mabboux-Fort and welcomed back captain Ellie Whittaker.

Starting Line-Up: Ellie Whittaker (c), Katie Samson, Kimberly Samson, Suzy Collins, Lucy Hudson.

Substitutes: Elena Rago, Eleanor Walker, Alice Purdy, Colombe Mabboux-Fort, Charli Goodfellow

Click here to see pictures from the game

Without a recognised striker on the court York were looking to contain their opponents and hit them on the break. Patience was the keyword York needed, with controlling possession being key to getting a favourable result. Derby scored early and then regularly from then on, with York unable to break the stubborn Derby defence.

Half Time – Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 0 Derby Futsal Club Women – 5

Derby stepped up their performance 2nd half and punished some poor York defending. York were unable to contain their visitors, who moved the ball about the court with far too much ease. A comfortable win for Derby and one that York will not want to look back on.

Full Time – Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 0 Derby Futsal Club Women – 12

Player Of The Match – Kim Samson – She is one person that really did put herself amongst the Derby players. She made several fantastic recovery tackles and was happy to be physical when it really mattered. She is becoming a player that is one of the first names on the team sheet. On a day with not much to shout about Kim was a shinning light!

Coach Chris spoke to us after the game, he said, ‘That was disappointing and not what we are about. We talked before the game about being patient in possession, looking after the ball and not forcing play – I doubt we made 5 passes in the whole game. We knew we would be out of possession for long periods of the game and at first we looked comfortable, but as the game developed we were unable to change and make it difficult for Derby. Second half I asked the players to be more aggressive out of possession, this didn’t happen and we look at bit lost at times.‘

When asked about the debut players, he said ‘I was pleased for Alice and Colombe, both started slow and the pace of the game got to them, but by the end they were holding their own. Both can only get better and it will be interesting to see how they perform in future games.’

He finished by saying, ‘I know I keep going on about not being able to select the strongest squad but when you see the players we have signed and were not here today, it really is frustrating. This is a national league and the players who take the court need to be the best we can recruit. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us today, it was brilliant to see so many here, and I can only apologise for that performance. I will ask for a reaction next week in a difficult away game at Loughborough, simply put, we are better than this.’