After the recent cup games, Bootham travelled to Warrington on Saturday 25 March to see if they could keep their 3 game unbeaten league run going. With only one defeat in the last four league games, and on their best ever run, confidence was high in the Bootham camp.

With key players missing due to other commitments, Bootham welcomed back Lucy Hudson and Lucy Grehan-Bradley, both starting on the bench.

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

Substitutes: Suzy Collins, Lucy Hudson, Lucy Grehan-Bradley

In what was probably the best first half of the season, Bootham dominated from the first whistle. They controlled the pace of the game and two goals from Rowan Treagus and a first of the season for Lucy Hudson, saw Bootham comfortable at the break.

Half Time – Warrington Futsal Club Ladies – 0 – Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 3

The second half was a different story with Warrington pushing to get on the score sheet, and Bootham making several mistakes. Both sides exchanged goals throughout the half with goals from Rowan Treagus and Denva Coupland before late on captain Ellie Whittaker settled it with a well taken finish.

Full Time – Warrington Futsal Club Ladies – 6 – Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 8

Player Of The Match – Ellie Whittaker – One of our most consistent players of the season, she had yet another solid game. Her knowledge of futsal allows us to control games, and dictate play, especially when we are under pressure. She made a few mistakes today but never gave up and finished the game with a well worked goal.

After the game captain and player of the match Ellie Whittaker spoke to us, she said, ‘I thought the first half was the most controlled half we’ve played all season. We let our concentration go a little bit in the second half but I’m proud that we were able to keep our heads and grind the win out. It was brilliant to have Rowan back in the team, as she makes a massive difference every time she plays and she looks like a threat whenever she has the ball. We’re looking forward to Sunderland next week, I’m sure it’ll be another great game and it’ll be a good measure to see how far we have come since we played them before Christmas.’

Coach Chris was delighted with the performance and spoke to us after the game, ‘That first half performance was as good as anything we have played this season, so good to watch. We controlled the game so well and I’m not sure Katie had a save to make. The second half was a bit different, we took our foot off the gas and conceded some sloppy goals. That said I didn’t ever think we would lose the game.’

He continued by saying, ‘I am really pleased for Lucy Hudson getting her first goal of the season, she has been so unlucky in other games but her work rate really does deserve this. After watching the video back we missed 5 or 6 clear chances with Rowan hitting the woodwork 4 times in the match, so we should have been out of sight.’

He finished by talking about the next home game, he said, ‘We welcome the league leaders to St Peter’s on Saturday, and that will be a real test to see how much we have improved. They are a very strong and physical side, so we know it is going to be a very hard game. But, if we move the ball like we can, and take our chances, who knows what could happen. I would encourage all of our supporters to come down and watch the game, it will be one not to miss and we will definitely need your support!’

Next up Bootham host high flying league leaders Sunderland in what will be their biggest challenge of the season. Why not come down to St Peter’s School from 2.30pm on Saturday 1st April and give them all your support!