BOOTHAM Ladies Futsal Club claimed their first national title with a 4-3 victory against London Genesis in the FA National Plate on Saturday.

Having lost out to their opponents on penalties in the quarter-finals last year, Bootham were keen to atone for that in Derbyshire in what was a tense and thrilling encounter.

Coach Chris Collins had almost a full squad to choose from, with Allegra Sellschop-Evans, Suzy Collins, Kimberly Samson, Katie Samson, Heather Smith, Ava Worthy, Lauryn Zareba, Nikki Brown, Rowan Treagus, Ellie Whittaker, Natascha Eustance, Jess Barnes, Jess Baker and Ruby Shaw all representing them in the final.

Bootham had thrashed Hertfordshire Vipers 10-1 and Cambridge Futsal Club 12-1 on their way to reach the final but came out of the blocks slowly, and were given a wake-up call when Genesis smashed a long-range shot against the post early on.

But the York outfit grew into the game, with Brown intercepting a pass and shooting just wide, before blasting another effort over the Genesis goal.

London, though, always looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and took the lead in the eighth minute when a corner was fired through an unsighted Sellschop-Evans and into the goal. 

Bootham came close to an immediate response when Samson’s stunning pass found Barnes, who saw her shot beat the goalkeeper but hit a recovering defender on the line. 

They hit the equaliser from their next opportunity, Brown running clear through and finishing smartly to the goalkeeper’s left to bring Bootham onto the board. 

But drama was to follow on the stroke of half time.

First, Sellschop-Evans was spared a red card after accidentally handling the ball outside the D as she made a save. Bootham breathed another sigh of relief as Genesis fired the resultant penalty wide.

But they made no mistake from the spot a minute later after Whittaker was adjudged to have committed a foul, taking a 2-1 lead in at the break.

York Press: Bootham Ladies celebrate their first national title.Bootham Ladies celebrate their first national title. (Image: Supplied)

Bootham started the second half on the front foot without creating any real chances, and instead had their goalkeeper to thank for a string of smart saves.

There was a sense that the next goal would be crucial in the gripping encounter, and thankfully for Bootham, it fell their way.

With nine minutes to go, they drew level after Shaw hammered home from outside the D after interlinking play with Treagus and Brown.

Genesis thought that they had retaken the lead when a shot direct from a kick sailed into the roof of the net, but it was wiped out as nobody else had touched the ball.

That proved to be the turning point, and a minute later Bootham were in front after Eustace intercepted the ball before feeding Samson, who fired a right-footed shot low into the Genesis net.

But the game took another twist when a kick-in flew into the back of the net to level the scores once more.

Undeterred, Bootham delivered what proved to be the hammer blow just 30 seconds later, Barker meeting Eustace’s cross with a smart first-time finish to see the tie again swing in their favour.

Things could have got better still for the North Yorkshire side when Eustace picked the ball up and rounded two defenders before seeing her shot cleared off the line, but they hung on to claim a historic victory as celebrations poured onto the pitch.

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Bootham captain Whittaker enthused: “Saturday was one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in in over a decade of playing futsal.

“We’ve made significant progress this season with a lot of brilliant signings and it was great to showcase that by lifting a trophy.

“Massive credit has to go to Chris for all that he has done to build the club and develop our team so we’re competitive regardless of who we play.

“Genesis are a great team and were very clever with their tactics, but I’m just glad we could sneak it in front of so many of our fans who had made the journey or who were watching at home from York.

“I’m really excited to see what this group can do next!”

Jubilant coach Collins added: “Both goalkeepers made some fantastic saves, and, on another day, Genesis could be going home with the trophy. 

“I said before the game you need that bit of luck and today, we got it.”