By Jonathan White, photos by Brooke Roberts and Staci Hocknell
Nantwich Town FC Women kept their stunning unbeaten streak alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chester FC at the Swansway Stadium on Waterlode, Nantwich, on Sunday 14th September (2pm kick-off). The win means the Dabbers have now gone seven matches unbeaten this season – six in the league and one in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Captain Meg Ragdale returned to lead the side, while Meg Baldwin made her full debut, and both Levi Lander and Josie Alderman were back in the squad.
It was a lively first half, with Josie Alderman finding the net after just 11 seconds to give the Dabbers the lead, before Chester equalised prior to the break. The second half was a battle against the elements, but the Dabbers refused to be denied – and in the 88th minute, Amanda Fallon smashed home the winner to send the home crowd wild.
The result was especially sweet after the two sides drew 0-0 at Chester’s Deva Stadium in late August – the only points Nantwich have dropped so far. This time, they took maximum points in tough, wet and windy conditions.
The Dabbers’ goals came from Josie Alderman (sponsored by Dame Pat Bacon) and Fallon (sponsored by NTISA). Amanda Fallon also scooped the GOAT Player of the Match Award after her last-minute heroics, earning a £50 voucher from manager Dan Mellor (pictured below). GOAT on High Street is Nantwich’s brand-new bar serving comfort food, showing live sport and pouring great pints. Player’s Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Chloe Swindell, who pulled off some superb saves to keep Nantwich in it.
Manager Dan Mellor praised his players afterwards:
“I’m really proud of the players. We had to dig deep, we rode our luck at times, but the character and resilience they showed was outstanding. In the big moments we were decisive, and to win it with a last-minute goal just shows the spirit in this group. It was a hard-fought win, the players deserved their reward for the grit they showed. It’s never a bad sign to win a game when you don’t quite play your best.”
The victory keeps Nantwich Town Women sitting proudly top of the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South, laying down a marker to rivals including AFC Crewe, Altrincham, Chester, Liverpool Feds, Macclesfield, Runcorn Linnets, Warrington Town and Wirral Phoenix.
And it was a double celebration at the Swansway, as the Development Squad also claimed a 4-1 win over Winsford Town Ladies in the later 4pm kick-off, thanks to goals from Emilia Lowe (2), Nat Walker and E. Smith.
Fans can follow all the latest Dabbers Women’s news, match action and behind-the-scenes updates on the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies. Full fixture details are available at https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/all-women-fixtures/.
For those inspired to get involved, Women’s Recreational Football sessions run every Tuesday (8-9pm) on the Swansway Stadium pitch. Open to anyone 16+, the sessions are perfect for fitness, fun and football. Email [email protected] for more details.