On Saturday 12 November, Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – York played their third game of the FA Futsal Women’s Super Series North Tier 2 against Sunderland University Women Futsal at CitySpace, Sunderland. It was Bootham’s first game on the road this season, and up against an unbeaten Sunderland side.

Coach Chris welcomed back into the squad top scorer Rowan Treagus and Suzy Collins and handed a debut to new signing Charlotte Broad.

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

Substitutes: Elena Rago, Charli Goodfellow, Eleanor Walker, Charlotte Broad.

Click here to see pictures from the game

Sunderland grabbed two early goals before Bootham settled and started to really show how much they had improved. Rowan Treagus and Ellie Whittaker both hit the post, with Ellie Rago going close late on. Katie Samson made some smart saves to keep the score close. Bootham were more than matching their hosts and playing some of the best futsal of the season. A late quick break saw Sunderland score again just before the end of the half.

Half Time – Sunderland University Women’s Futsal – 3 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 0

Click here to watch the first half

Bootham finally got on the score sheet when Kimberly Samson intercepted and shot from distance. Sunderland scored twice to extend their lead but Bootham where not giving up, and goal of the game came next. Charlotte Broad picked up the ball just inside her own D and ran the the length of the court, beating 3 Sunderland players before planting the ball in the far corner! Kimberly Samson scored her second to make it 5-3, before Sunderland scored again. Rowan Treagus reduced the deficit with a smart left foot finish. Two more goals from Sunderland stretched their lead, before Rowan Treagus smashed one in from distance to make is 8-5. Two late goals for Sunderland finished the scoring.

Full Time – Sunderland University Women’s Futsal – 10 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 5

Player Of The Match – Katie Samson – After last weeks shaky game she was back to her brilliant best. She had no chance with any of the Sunderland goals and her shot stopping was brilliant, with some very brave 1v1 saves but most improved was her distribution, which was near perfect. It is never easy to play against a high press but she rarely gave the ball away today. Top game Katie, well played!

Click here to watch the second half

After the game Coach Chris spoke about the performance, he said ‘I know the scoreline doesn’t reflect the performance but that was by far the best we have played as team. There were times in both the first and second half that we more than matched Sunderland. Not one player let us down today with some stand out performance from so many players. I asked for a reaction after the game against Liverpool and I am delighted that the players responded in the way they did.’

‘Let’s not take anything away from Sunderland, they are a top futsal side with some very good players, but I thought today we matched them for 90% of the game. If you add to the game we hit the woodwork 4 times, sometimes you just need that bit of luck. I know the players now realise the level they have to reach for each and every game.’

When asked about individual performances he said, ‘Katie was brilliant today, so brave and much better distribution, Ellie Rago and Eleanor Walker are still learning the game but getting better each and every week. We have to give them time to really settle and learn the game, but so far they are both exceeding expectations. I am delighted at the way Charlotte fitted into today, what a goal! She looks very comfortable on the ball and her 1v1 defending was immense, not much got passed her today.