By Jonathan White and Liam Price, photos by Jonathan White
Nantwich Town FC Women sealed a historic league title in front of their home supporters on Sunday 29th March 2026, overcoming Manchester Laces 2-1 at the Swansway Stadium to be crowned champions of the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South for the 2025/26 season.
The Dabbers’ victory confirms back-to-back promotions and caps off a remarkable campaign, with the title secured on the final day in front of a crowd of 243.
Pre-match, the atmosphere was building around the ground with the Green Rock Group Fan Zone open, offering a fully stocked bar, while supporters browsed club merchandise from Bev’s Bunting. Fans also had the opportunity to vote for the club’s Player and Young Player of the Season, with refreshments available from The Tea Lounge. Sponsors Swansway Group showcased their Car of the Week — an Audi Q3 Sportback in Progressive Red — prominently displayed outside the stadium and currently available at Crewe Audi.
On the pitch, manager Dan Mellor made three changes for the decisive fixture, recalling Connie Watts, Sam Cawley and Josie Alderman to the starting XI.
The game began in testing conditions, with persistent rain throughout the first half making for a tense and competitive encounter. Despite the weather, Nantwich adapted well and took control, going 1-0 in only the 2nd minute thanks to Levi Lander, who is sponsored by FrontGuyGary.
With the rain easing after half-time, the Dabbers stepped up another gear. Captain Meg Ragdale, sponsored by MRSC Engineering, doubled the advantage early in the second half to put Nantwich firmly in command. The release of emotion was palpable in the celebrations as that 2-goal cushion was secured.
Manchester Laces pulled a goal back late, but the hosts held their composure to see out a 2-1 victory and spark scenes of celebration.
At the full-time whistle, players and staff flooded the pitch in jubilation, spraying celebratory bubbly and posing for photos in ‘Champions’ T-shirts bearing the club crest. The league trophy will be formally presented at a later date.
Only Chester FC Women had any mathematical chance of catching the Dabbers heading into the final round of fixtures, but Nantwich’s win ensured they were unassailable at the top.
The GOAT Nantwich Players of the Match were captain Meg Ragdale and Tabby Rushton for their standout performances in a hard-fought contest.
Speaking after the game, manager Dan Mellor praised his squad’s achievement:
“I’m incredibly proud of the players and what they’ve achieved this season. To win the league in our first year at this level is a fantastic accomplishment and it’s a credit to the commitment, attitude and togetherness they’ve shown from day one. They’ve worked for this every single week, and they fully deserve it.
“It was a tough game, as we expected. We started really well and got ourselves in front early and I thought the players showed real discipline and organisation, especially when we had to deal with spells of pressure. Scoring again just after half time was a big moment and from there it was about managing the game properly, which I felt we did.
“There have been times this season where we’ve had to deal with pressure and expectations and the way the group has handled that has been outstanding. To come through a game like that, with so much on it and deliver shows the character and mentality within the squad.
“It’s important to recognise how much hard work has gone into this behind the scenes as well not just from the players, but the staff and everyone involved with Nantwich Town Women. The support we’ve had throughout the season has been brilliant and it genuinely makes a difference.
“Hopefully this is something the local community can be really proud of. We want to keep building on this and give people a team they enjoy coming to watch and to have nearly 250 in today was massive for us and really helped get us over that finish line.”
And captain Ragdale said:
“The support from the fans doesn’t go unnoticed, every week we get such a good turnout from everybody. The communication from the club as well is phenomenal.”
Top scorer Amanda Fallon added:
“There’s a real family feel to the club, from fans and all of those people, we really do appreciate it and it’s something I’ve never experienced before.”
Nantwich Town FC Women end their title-winning campaign on 44 points from 18 matches, recording 14 wins, two draws and just two defeats, alongside an impressive +55 goal difference.
The triumph follows last season’s title success in the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League Premier Division, underlining the club’s rapid rise.
Attention now turns to the 2026/27 season, where the Dabbers will compete in the North West Women’s Regional League Premier Division (Tier 5), facing new challenges including clashes with Bolton Wanderers FC Women, Bury FC Women and a highly anticipated local derby against Crewe Alexandra FC Women.
Supporters can follow all the latest updates via the team’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies.
For anyone inspired by the Dabbers success, Women’s Recreational Football sessions take place every Tuesday from 8–9pm on the Swansway Stadium pitch. Open to anyone aged 16 and over, the sessions focus on fitness, fun and football. Further details are available via email at: [email protected].
Team
Nantwich Town Women: Connie Watts, Amber Mayer, Tabby Rushton, Sam Cawley, Katie Naylor, Katie Greenwood, Corie Mather, Meg Ragdale (C), Amanda Fallon, Josie Alderman, Levi Lander
Subs: Libby Bulkeley, Jo Case, Alicia Hatton, Poppy Smith, Meg Baldwin
Goals: Lander (2), Ragdale (48)
Attendance: 243