It was fitting that our brand new competition goals were finally installed late on Saturday night, just in time for our first game of the season! Our U12s hosted Rawcliffe in a friendly match at St Peters School.

The game was split into three 15 minutes periods with the rules simplified for both teams – the aim of the game was on enjoyment and fun! With both teams missing their goalkeepers, goals were guaranteed! Lining up for Bootham we had – Anna W (Captain), Aria P, Emily H, Eva T, Isabelle L, Hattie F, Jessica H, Livia G and Olivia A.

Period One

The game started at a frantic pace, with neither side able to keep hold of the ball. First blood went to Rawcliffe, when ex-Bootham player Toni pinched the ball and scoring well from in front. Bootham were soon level with a well worked goal involving Emily and Anna, who crossed for Eva to shoot first time. The goalkeeper made a fantastic save but Olivia was on hand to slam the ball home! Bootham went close with chances for Eva and Isabella and just before the break Rawcliffe saw a long range shot go just wide.

Period Two

Within the opening minute of the period a great run and long range shot by Aria was saved well by the Rawcliffe goalkeeper. Rawcliffe went straight back up the other end and a goalmouth scrambled ended with Livia making a good stop with her feet. Hattie intercepted a clearance and had a shot that was well saved, with help from the post, by the Rawcliffe goalkeeper. Replays shows it may well have crept over the line but the referee waved play on! On 20 minutes Emily intercepted a pass and forced a good save from the goalkeeper. But within a minute Emily had her goal. A quick one two with Hattie, saw Emily score at the near post. Bootham extended their lead when a corner from Hattie was unfortunately cleared into the Rawcliffe goal by a defender. On 30 minutes Eva won the ball outside her D and broke 2 tackles, running the full length of the court before calmly slotting the ball home for the goal of the game!

Period Three

At the start of the final period, Hattie made a great double save to keep the Rawcliffe players out. The Rawcliffe goalkeeper then made a great double save with shots from Eva. With 10 minutes to go Toni scored her second for Rawcliffe with a smart finish from a corner. Straight from the kickoff Toni could have completed her hat tick but was denied by a smart save by Hattie. Rawcliffe had three further chances to score but again Hattie kept them out. Late on Aria controlled a cross from Isabella but somehow manned to put her shot over the crossbar.

Final Score – Bootham Girls U12s Futsal Club 4 – Rawcliffe U12 Girls 2

Click here to see the images from the match

Click here to see the match highlights

Click here to watch the match in full

The game could easily have gone either way, with both team creating good chances to score, and the stand in goalkeepers making some fantastic saves. A huge thank you to Hattie, Aria and Livia for going in goal – you were all amazing and did the club proud!

Huge thank you to David and Megan for bringing the Rawcliffe girls, what a fantastic group they are! They never stopped running and could easily have scored more goals. They are a credit to the club and played the game with a huge smile on their faces! Have a great season and we hope to play you again very soon.

Player of the match was Jessica – she constantly used the sole of her foot to control the ball, was always playing with her head up and looked for pass after pass instead of just kicking the ball away. She really did look a fabulous futsal player today. Well play Jessica, very well deserved!

Final thoughts go to Coach Chris, ‘I asked the girls to think about two things today before the match – one was recovery and the other was confidence on the ball. The longer the game went on, the more they applied these principles and the better they played. I am really pleased with the performance, and especially their attitude. Well done to everyone, very happy coach!