On 14 February, Valentine’s Day, Bootham Ladies made another long journey to London to take on Bloomsbury B in the latest round of the FA National Futsal Series Tier 2 competition.

Bloomsbury are widely regarded as one of the strongest clubs in the country, with their first team featuring a number of international players. Bootham knew they would face a tough challenge against a talented development side made up of the club’s rising stars.

Coach Chris was once again forced into changes, with Jess Barnes, Nikki Brown and Elisabeth Craven unavailable for selection. However, there was a welcome return for captain Ellie Whittaker, who resumed her leadership duties. The squad was further strengthened by the recall of talented England duo Erin Elliott and Heather Smith, while Jodie Allen also returned to the line-up.

Bootham were represented by: Jess Baker, Ellie Whittaker (C), Erin Elliott, Suzy Collins, Heather Smith, Natasha Eustance, Jodie Allan and Katie Samson (GK).

1st Half

Bootham were determined to start on the front foot and Smith created an early chance for Elliott, setting the tone for a lively opening. Eustance was next to test the Bloomsbury keeper, and a minute later a flowing full-court move saw Elliott find Collins. Her deft touch released Eustance, whose shot from a tight angle drifted narrowly wide. Eustance continued to threaten, going close again after robbing a Bloomsbury defender, but it was the hosts who struck first with a long-range effort to take the lead. Bootham responded immediately and almost levelled when Eustance once again tried her luck from distance. At the other end, Samson produced two brave saves in quick succession to keep the deficit at just one.

As half-time approached, Bootham’s pressure finally paid off. A superb team move saw Baker find Smith, who slipped the ball to Collins. She fired across goal for Eustance to convert at the back post, a brilliantly worked equaliser. Just thirty seconds later, Bootham turned the game around. Smith won possession on halfway, exchanged passes with Whittaker, and calmly slotted low into the corner to give Bootham a lead at the break.

Half Time – Bloomsbury B 1 – 2 Bootham

2nd Half

Bloomsbury began the second half with real intent, pushing hard for an equaliser, and Samson was quickly called into action to deny a fierce effort. Smith went close at the other end, while Samson again stood firm with a strong save from long range to preserve Bootham’s advantage.

The pivotal moment arrived ten minutes into the half. Eustance rounded the keeper and looked certain to score, only for a Bloomsbury defender to fall and deliberately handle the goal-bound shot. After consulting, the referees issued a straight card to the defender and pointed to the spot. Eustance stepped up and emphatically smashed the penalty home to extend Bootham’s lead.

To their credit, Bloomsbury refused to fold, and Samson produced a remarkable save at the second post to protect her side’s two-goal cushion. Late on, Eustance surged forward from halfway and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Elliott’s path, but somehow the chance went begging as Elliott sent her effort wide of the target.

Full Time – Bloomsbury B 1 – 3 Bootham

Link to the latest NFS Tier 2 league table

A delighted Coach Chris spoke to us after the game, full of pride as he reflected on what was a true team performance. “We knew it was going to be hard,” he said. “But to go a goal down and then come back to win that game was immense. At times we rode our luck. Katie made a couple of absolutely stunning saves, especially in the second half, to keep them out. But we took our goals well, and today we finally got that bit of luck to win. The red card was a turning point, and until I see it again I can’t really comment, it was at the other end of the court, so I didn’t have the best view. Bloomsbury have some seriously talented players and they gave it everything. They pushed us all the way. But our out of possession play today was as good as anything we’ve produced all season.”

Chris was quick to highlight individual performances within the collective effort. “Huge pat on the back to Heather. I have never seen her win so many 50/50s. She covered every part of that court today.”

Speaking about the youngest Bootham player on court, he smiled. “Erin is just scary. She made fantastic tackles and completely bossed the safety position. She knows she should have scored, and that would have capped a sensational performance. But she never backs out of a challenge, never complains, and she is becoming a seriously good futsal player.”

Chris finished with a final reflection on the commitment shown by his squad. “It was a ridiculously long way to travel for a futsal game, and the players responded brilliantly. They wore the Bootham shirt with pride today. We have a week off and then another long trip to face our friends Dorset. We will enjoy this feeling, remember the best bits, and come out next time ready to try and repeat it.”

One very proud coach.

Match Highlights:

Player of the Match — chosen by Coach Chris, was The Whole Squad – How can I possibly pick just one? When every single player empties the tank… when every sprint is chased, every lost ball is fought for, every teammate is backed to the very end… that’s not individual brilliance, that’s heart. That’s pride. That’s TEAM. They worked themselves to a standstill. They refused to quit. They stood up for each other. They showed what it means to wear that jersey. An unbelievable, never-say-die performance from a squad that left absolutely everything on the court. Beyond proud.

Images from today’s game: