On Saturday, March 18, Bootham Ladies made the long journey south to face Leicester Futsal Club in a crucial battle for third place in the league. With both teams vying for the spot, a tightly contested match was expected. Bootham entered the game with high confidence following their fantastic performance against Warrington last time out.

The squad was missing Charlotte Broad, Kim Samson, Freya Devine, Suzy Collins, and Megan Gration— but welcomed the return of club captain Ellie Whittaker. In goal, both Katie Samson and Allegra Sellschop-Evans were back in action.

Bootham’s starting five featured Heather Smith, Jess Baker, Nikki Brown, Ruby Shaw, and Allegra Sellschop-Evans (GK). The bench included Jess Barnes, Katie Samson, Ava Worthy, Ellie Whittaker (C), Natasha Eustance, and Rowan Treagus.

1st Half

On a tight and challenging court, Bootham nearly made the perfect start when Smith’s fierce drive rattled the top of the Leicester crossbar. However, they didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough — Shaw intercepted the goalkeeper’s clearance and fired the ball high into the Leicester net.

Bootham’s momentum continued as sharp interplay between Brown and Shaw set up the impressive Eustance, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Leicester pulled one back after Bootham failed to clear a free kick, but Bootham responded immediately. From the restart, a slick passing move led to Barnes’ shot being saved, only for Treagus — almost with her first touch — to smash home the rebound.

Worthy nearly extended Bootham’s lead with a long-range effort that struck the bottom of the post, and Smith’s powerful header forced a stunning save from the Leicester goalkeeper. But Leicester refused to back down, scoring again from a set piece before drawing level with a well-worked move down their left side.

Bootham regained the lead when captain Whittaker emphatically converted a corner, only for Leicester to equalise once more. Treagus then struck the post before a defensive mix-up allowed Leicester to edge ahead. In a dramatic final moment of the half, Treagus played in Eustance with an open goal, but she somehow put her shot wide of the far post.

Half Time – Leicester 5 – 4 Bootham

2nd Half

Bootham knew they needed a fast start, and Player of the Match Baker delivered, drawing them level after excellent work from Brown. Moments later, Baker produced a moment of brilliance, curling a first-time effort high into the net — undoubtedly one of the goals of the season.

With momentum firmly on their side, Bootham entered a purple patch. Treagus added to the tally with a stunning strike from near the touchline before turning provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that Shaw headed home to make it four goals in as many minutes.

Now in complete control, Bootham continued to create chances, with Worthy, Eustance, and Treagus all going close. Eustance eventually got her second, starting and finishing a slick move after a sharp one-two with Worthy.

A defensive lapse allowed Leicester to pull one back, but Bootham responded in style. Shaw completed her hat trick with an audacious backheel, while Brown finally got the goal her performance deserved, drilling a powerful effort in from out wide. Leicester managed another consolation, but Treagus had the final say, completing her hat trick in the dying moments after excellent work from Eustance—sealing Bootham’s 100th goal of the season in style.

Full Time – Leicester 7 – 12 Bootham

Coach Chris shared his thoughts after the game:

“It was crucial to follow up last week’s fantastic performance against Warrington with another strong display, and the ladies certainly delivered today. From the start, they controlled the game and looked comfortable, even on a very tight court. When we went into halftime behind, I wasn’t concerned—I knew they had the ability to turn it around in the second half. They had created so many chances, and confidence was sky-high.

The first five minutes of the second half were as good as anything we’ve played all season. The team moved the ball quickly, overloaded Leicester in the right areas, and caused problems time and time again. But the finishing today was something else—we have at least three contenders for Goal of the Season!

Now, we have a few weeks off before the knockout stage of the cup. We’ll try to arrange a friendly to maintain our competitive edge. We’re hoping for a home draw against a Tier One side—the ladies are eager to test themselves against one of the best teams in the country, to show how much we’ve improved, and who knows—maybe even spring a cup upset!

A huge thank you to our goalkeepers, Katie and Allegra, who played despite carrying injuries. Both put in fantastic performances, which speaks volumes about the spirit and commitment within this squad.”

Player of the Match, as chosen by captain Ellie Whittaker, was Jess Baker—back to her brilliant best today. She controlled the tempo of the game and scored two goals, one of which is surely a contender for Goal of the Season.