Match Report: AFC Crewe Women 2-3 Nantwich Town Women

By Jonathan White, photos by Peter Robinson

Nantwich Town FC Women secure thrilling victory over AFC Crewe

Nantwich Town FC Women delivered a commanding performance on Sunday 2nd February 2025, securing a 3-2 victory over local rivals AFC Crewe in an intense away fixture at Alsager Football Club’s Wood Park Stadium. The match, part of the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League Premier Division, saw the Dabbers dominate the first half before sealing a well-earned three points.

The Dabbers asserted control early in the game, racing to a 3-0 lead by halftime. Megan Ragdale, sponsored by MRSC Engineering, found the net twice (below, first image), while Grace Duckworth, backed by SugaRich, added another to put Nantwich firmly in the driver’s seat (below, second image). AFC Crewe showed resilience in the second half, pulling two goals back, but Nantwich remained composed to see out the win.

This victory propels Nantwich Town into second place in the league table, accumulating 24 points from eight wins and one loss. The result also ended AFC Crewe’s unbeaten run this season, showcasing the Dabbers’ intent to challenge for the league title.

Dabbers Starting XI:

  1. K. Townsend
  2. L. Bulkeley
  3. B. Harding
  4. R. Davies (captain)
  5. B. Davies
  6. P. Smith
  7. N. Walker
  8. M. Ragdale
  9. A. Fallon
  10. L. Lander
  11. G. Duckworth

Subs: 12. A. Hatton, 14. E. Macdonald, 15. F. Chaffey-Green, 16. K. Green, 17. J. Buckley-Ratcliff.

 

Dan Mellor, Manager, Nantwich Town FC Women, speaking after the match, said:

“I’m really proud of the players today, AFC Crewe were unbeaten until they faced us and I firmly believe this league will be won by either us or them so to get the 3 points puts us in a strong position.

“We had to dig really deep in that second half and play a different type of game than we’re used to. Crewe were physical and it was very stop start which disrupted our rhythm and they made it hard for us to play our game.

“We’d done the damage in the first half, 3 great strikes, all well worked goals and I thought we deserved that at half time. We were coming on top in our duels and picking up the second balls and restricted them to nothing basically.

“I must say throughout I thought our work rate off the ball from our strikers right through to our midfield and back line was phenomenal and that’s testament to the players desires to win this league. We’ve got to back this performance up now next week against Chester at home.

“We’ve recorded 8 straight victories in the league since we were defeated by them on the opening day of the season so it will be a good opportunity to right some wrongs and go into the final 3rd of the season on top spot.”

 

Goalkeeper Kara Townsend, sponsored by Eva Davies, reached a significant milestone, making her 100th appearance for the Dabbers. Manager Dan Mellor celebrated her achievement, stating:

“Kara deserves to be the first female player to reach 100 games for this club. She’s been instrumental in every season she’s played and once again proved her quality in this crucial win. Reaching 100 appearances is a massive feat, especially given our 25-game seasons. She’s not just a great player but also an inspiring role model for younger keepers at the club.”

The Dabbers’ strong start to 2025 continues to build momentum as they aim to make a statement in the Premier Division. Fans can keep up with upcoming fixtures on the official Nantwich Town FC website: https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/all-women-fixtures/

For the latest team news and highlights, follow the Dabbers Women on Facebook: NTFC Ladies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies