By Jonathan White, photo by Peter Robinson
Nantwich Town FC Women continued their pre-season in style with a commanding performance against Blackburn Eagles Women & Girls, notching up a double-digit win at the Swansway Stadium on Sunday 13th July 2025. The match took place during a summer heatwave, but the Dabbers stayed cool under pressure to deliver an impressive result. Out of respect to the opposition, the final score has not been officially released.
Despite soaring temperatures nearing 30°C, both teams battled bravely in the intense heat. Supporters kept cool in the stands and made the most of the club’s brand-new Fan Zone bar, which served up much-needed refreshments throughout the afternoon.
The Dabbers’ goals came courtesy of a talented mix of players, with Millie O’Connor, Jade Buckley-Ratcliff, Alicia Hatton, Libby Bulkeley, Amanda Fallon, Josie Alderman, Meg Ragdale, and Katie Greenwood all getting on the scoresheet.
First-half Dabbers line up: 1. R. Quinn, 2. N. Walker, 3. B. Harding, 4. H. Knight, 5. K. Green, 6. L. Pearce, 7. A. Hatton, 8. M. O’Connor, 9. J. Buckley-Ratcliff, 10. L. Lander, 11. L. Bulkeley. Subs: 12. B. Davies, 14. A. Fallon, 15. M. Ragdale, 16. E. Macdonald, 17. K. Greenwood, 18. P. Smith, 19. J. Alderman, 20. P. Emery, 21. A. Mayer, 22. E. Darrell.
Second-half Dabbers line up (10 changes): 1. R. Quinn, 12. B. Davies, 14. A. Fallon, 15. M. Ragdale, 16. E. Macdonald, 17. K. Greenwood, 18. P. Smith, 19. J. Alderman, 20. P. Emery, 21. A. Mayer, 22. E. Darrell. Subs: 2. N. Walker, 3. B. Harding, 4. H. Knight, 5. K. Green, 6. L. Pearce, 7. A. Hatton, 8. M. O’Connor, 9. J. Buckley-Ratcliff, 10. L. Lander, 11. L. Bulkeley.
Manager Dan Mellor praised the team’s efforts:
“It was a strong start to our preseason and I’m pleased with the attitude and application from the players. Regardless of the scoreline, the focus was on implementing our principles, building fitness and giving minutes to the full squad. There’s still a lot of work ahead, but this gives us a good platform to build on ahead of next week’s game with Stoke.”
The Dabbers head into the 2025/26 campaign with confidence following a record-breaking season, having stormed to the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League Premier Division title.
Since forming in 2020, the team has gone from strength to strength, winning 15 of their 16 matches last season and finishing nine points clear at the top. They also impressed in the cups, reaching the First Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup and making it to the Semi-Finals of the CWYFL Challenge Cup.
Now preparing for life in Tier 6 regional football, the squad is shaping up for an exciting new chapter – with recent trials bringing fresh faces and even more depth to the team.
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