Written by Jonathan White, photos by Peter Robinson
Libby is hattrick hero as Dabbers beat Runcorn in Women’s Football League
Nantwich Town FC Women beat Runcorn Sports WFC 4-1 in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League at the Swansway Stadium on Sunday 22nd October 2023.
The match was preceded with a minute’s applause in memory of Robert ‘Bob’ Antrobus, who recently died. Bob passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Nantwich, aged 62 years.
Bob was a long-time Nantwich Town Football Club supporter and matchday steward & volunteer and his presence will be sadly missed by all his family and friends and all who knew him.
Nantwich Town FC Women players wore a black armband as a mark of respect during the match.
The full-time score was 4-1, which included a hattrick from Libby Bulkeley and a goal from Abbie Heywood to secure all three points for the Dabbers.
Nantwich Town FC Women’s starting XI: 1. M. Hocknell, 2. L. Bulkeley, 3. N. Walker, 4. J. Case, 5. R. Davies (captain), 6. M. O’Connor, 7. K. Harrison, 8. P. Smith, 9. M. Rowley, 10. A. Heywood, 11. J. Buckley-Ratcliff. Subs: 12. G. Brookfield, 14. H. Knight, 15. E. Buckle.
A representative from Nantwich Town FC Women, speaking after the match, said: “After a cagey first 45 minutes where the scores were level the girls came out with purpose and quickly scored from a tap in from Libby Bulkeley after the Runcorn keeper kept yet another effort out.
“Despite being fairly comfortable Runcorn equalised with 83 minutes on the clock with a strike from 30 yards finding the top corner. Within 30 seconds, the Dabbers regained their lead, Libby once again with a cross come shot looped over the keeper. We weren’t done yet and Libby completed her first hat trick for the Dabbers with a rasping shot from 30 yards herself that no keeper would have a chance at saving just a few minutes later.
“In the final minutes Abbie Heywood added the cherry with a fantastic free kick that was still travelling as it hit the top corner.”
Nantwich Town FC Women can offer a friendly atmosphere, full club support, FA qualified coaches, Swansway Stadium 3G pitch, excellent fan base and a family & community ethos.
Nantwich Town FC Women are always on the lookout for quality players to strengthen their first team. Training takes place every Wednesday (7-9pm) on the Swansway Stadium 3G pitch at Nantwich Town Football Club on Waterlode, Nantwich CW5 5BS.
For further information relating to Nantwich Town FC Women please visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies