By Jonathan White, photo by Peter Robinson
Dabbers Women lose last League match of season, but prepare for Cup semi-finals
Nantwich Town FC Women lost 1-4 to AFC Crewe (https://www.facebook.com/AFCCrewe) in their final League fixture of the season in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League at the Swansway Stadium on Sunday 17th March 2024. The Dabbers goal was scored by Meg Rowley (sponsored by Toft Financial).
Nantwich Town FC Women starting XI: 1. K. Townsend, 2. L. Bulkeley, 3. P. Smith, 4. H. Bourne, 5. F. Chaffey-Green, 6. M. O’Connor, 7. M. Rowley, 8. R. Davies (captain), 9. K. Harrison, 10. D. Reeder, 11. J. Buckley-Ratcliff. Substitutes: 12. A. Heywood, 14. E. Buckle, 15. E. Macdonald, 16. M. Hocknell, 17. G. Duckworth. The referee was Neil Ridgway.
The defeat followed a recent fine run of victories in the League, Challenge Cup and Cheshire FA County Cup. The result means the Dabbers finish in the top-half of the League table, in fourth place on 19 points, after 5 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses. They can now focus on their semi-finals in both the Challenge Cup and Cheshire FA County Cup.
Dan Mellor, Manager, Nantwich Town FC Women, speaking after the match said: “I think today a little bit of complacency found its way into our play, we were a yard off the pace for the majority of it, didn’t get close enough at times and were punished by a striker playing at a level far below what she’s capable of.
“But look, I don’t want to dwell on one result or take anything away from the girls for what they’ve achieved this season, we had a very poor start and that’s on me, to turn it around and go on the run we have gone on is nothing short of phenomenal and the credit for that is down to the players attitude and application.
“The overall message is that I’m proud of the girls and the season we’ve had, yes there’s regrets over the first few games which ultimately has resulted in us missing out on a top 3 but since October, they’ve been flawless and we now turn our full attention on the 2 semi-finals we’re in and we’ll work harder than we’ve ever worked this week to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance of lifting a trophy.”
Future Cup fixtures:
-Runcorn Linnets FC Ladies (away, Cheshire FA County Cups semi-final) 24/3/24, 2pm at Millbank Linnets Stadium, WA7 6GJ.
-Wirral United FC Women (home, Challenge Cup semi-final) 14/4/24, 2pm at Swansway Stadium.
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