On Saturday 4 February, Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – York took the long trip to play Loughborough Students Futsal Club Women. Kick off was 7pm, the latest the ladies have played so far in their short futsal journey. The players knew it wasn’t going to be easy as the home side never give in and winning is a habit at the home of English sport.

Coach Chris has two late dropouts due to illness but was confident with the recall of both Charlotte and Rowan that his side would cause Loughborough some problems.

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

Substitutes: Suzy Collins and Lucy Hudson.

Bootham got off to the perfect start with two early goals from Rowan, before Loughborough got one back. Bootham were looking confident in possession and created chances to increase their lead, before a first time strike from Kimberly sent the keeper the wrong way. Just before half time Loughborough capitalised on a mistake to score.

Half Time – Loughborough Students Futsal Club Women – 2 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 3

Coach Chris said at halftime the next goal would be key, and so it proved. After a great passing move from one end to the other Rowan completed her hat-trick from close range extend the away sides lead. Lucy stabbed home from from a corner before Charlotte intercepted a poor pass and ran from halfway before slotting home confidently. Bootham were growing in confidence and Rowan added two more before Loughborough scored late. Last word was left to captain Ellie as she smashed home in the last seconds after a full court following move.

Full Time – Loughborough Students Futsal Club Women – 3 Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club – 9

Player Of The Match – Charlotte Broad – On a day where so many players were outstanding, Charlotte grabbed player of the match with her hold up and link play. She was asked to play further forward than in previous matches and was a real thorn in the side to Loughborough all game. When it matter she also made several great recovery tackles and she took her chance for the goal brilliantly. Such an important part of the team, top performance!

Click here to watch the Bootham goals.

Click here to watch the whole of the first half.

Click here to watch the whole of the second half.

Coach Chris spoke to us after the game and said, ‘That was brilliant, what a performance. We had a clear game plan and the players executed it to near perfection. From the first minute the players were on their game. We hardly gave them a chance in the first half and the combination between Charlotte and Rowan looked so dangerous. Simply put the whole team were brilliant.’

When asked about the squad today, ‘It was a gamble to only bring 7, but with two late drop out I had no time to arrange any other players. That said, every player really did leave everything on the court, 110% from front to back. We are still looking at bringing one or two players before the transfer window closes, and we have Ava, our next 16 year to step up coming very soon.’

He finished by saying, ‘That was exactly the response I was asking for, it shows if we get the right players on the court we can challenge anyone. We have another long trip next Saturday away to Leicester, and we have to show that the Loughborough game wasn’t a flash in the pan. A big part of developing a team is putting back to back performance together. I have every confidence in this team and know they won’t let the club down.’