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Photos: Jack Western
York Women’s Futsal team made their BUCS debut today against a strong Manchester side in the Tent. Despite a spirited performance, York went down 12-5, in an end-to-end game, with the whole squad playing in their first ever futsal match. However, it was Manchester’s experience that showed through, as they put this young York side to the sword.
The match began at a frantic pace, with York’s Ruby Callister forcing a good save from the Manchester ‘keeper after just 30 seconds following nice link up play with Maria Davies and Ellie Whittaker.
It was Manchester, however, who took the early lead by taking a corner quickly and firing from distance past the helpless York goalkeeper. This was to prove a recurring theme throughout the match, as Manchester peppered York’s goal with long range attempts as Savannah Green was forced into making several good saves.
Despite Green’s heroics, three quickly taken chances left York trailing by 4 goals midway through the first half. Not to be disheartened, York hit back, with Whittaker beating her player and firing a shot that the Manchester ‘keeper could only parry straight into the path of York’s Marte Wang, who finished into the empty net.
York’s passing game and high pressure soon came to fruition as two quick goals put York back in the game, the second of which saw a slick passing move leading to Whittaker again going clean through before dinking the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper from a tight angle.
With the scores now 4-3, Manchester pushed forwards once more with Carys Allsopp and Lauren Matheson making several last-ditch blocks to deny the away side. Sadly, a defensive lapse allowed the North-West side to extend their lead, before the inspirational Manchester captain rocketed three shots into the net in quick succession to make the scores 8-3 at half time.
As the second half began, York increased the tempo once more with Whittaker adding a fourth from close range to complete her hat-trick. Manchester responded with a sweeping passing move of their own to restore their five goal lead leaving York needing to throw everyone forwards. This resulted in being left open at the back and Manchester took full advantage with 2 more clinical finishes.
York never gave up however, and were rewarded when Savannah Green came out of goal and smashed a swerving shot into the top corner. The match ended in slight controversy as Whittaker appeared to net her fourth, and York’s sixth goal overall, on the stroke of full time but the referee harshly adjudged it to be scored after the whistle had already been blown.
Nevertheless, York had much to be proud of in a performance which saw the new team compete well with a more established university in the women’s game. The final score of 12-5 indicates that while there is much that needs to be worked on, there is also a lot to be positive about for the new side.
York’s Captain Ellie Whittaker was in a positive mood despite the defeat, telling Vision: ‘I’m really impressed by how quickly the girls have adapted to Futsal. It’s very promising to see how well we matched Manchester in the second half, and as a team we’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch and keep developing more!’