On Saturday 11 February, Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – York took another long trip to play Leicester Futsal Club Women. The ladies were looking to complete their first ever league double after their opening day win.

Coach Chris had to shuffle his squad after two late dropouts due to illness and injury and was very grateful for the last minute support from Charli Goodfellow.

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

Substitutes: Eleanor Walker, Charli Goodfellow, Lauryn Zareba-Gilbank

Bootham got off to the worst start when they conceded after just a minute. Not that seemed to bother them, Charlotte Broad went on a one women show and scored 4 goals before the interval. Just before half time Eleanor Walker smashed a left foot screamer in to the top corner from just inside the oppositions half for one of the goals of the season.

Half Time – Leicester Futsal Club Women – 2 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 5

Bootham showed their much improved match craft by controlling the pace and tempo of the game for most of the second half. A great team goal with some fluid passing saw Kimberly Samson finish at the second post before captain Ellie Whittaker score with a deflection straight from a corner. Leicester grabbed two late goals but Bootham finished the game with a 3 goal margin.

Full Time – Leicester Futsal Club Women – 4 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 7

Click here to watch the match highlights here.

Click here to watch the first half.

Click here to watch the second.

Player Of The Match – Ellie Whittaker – Captain fantastic lived up to her name today with a superb performance against a determined Leicester side. She finished the game on virtually one leg after a fierce tackle in the first half left her with a swollen ankle. Not that stopped her and her second half performance showed all the grit and determination this squad is starting to show. She really did lead by example today, a true captains performance.

In conversation after the game, Coach Chris said, ‘That was closer than it looked. Leicesters’ play doesn’t justify the position they find themselves in, they are much better than this. I was pleased today after a slow start, conceding the two goals we did was poor but we took the game by the scruff of the neck and showed how we can play. In the first half we changed formation and this caused the home defence real problems. I was really pleased the players understood the new ideas and put them into practice on the court.’

He continued by saying, ‘When you lose two good players 24 hours before a game it always upsets your thinking and game plan, but a huge thank to Charli Goodfellow for travelling at such short notice, she really did make a huge difference. It was also good to see Lauryn back in goal after her ankle operation, she has had a terrible 12 months, so just to get a few minutes under her belt is going to do her confidence the world of good.’

He finished by saying, ‘We have never won 2 back to back games before so the spirit in the camp is as good as it could be. I am sure Loughborough will come next week wanting revenge after their home defeat and I expect them to bring a very strong side. If we play they way we have over the last two games, we will cause any team problems, and I’m sure the result will be a good one.’