By Jonathan White, photos by Peter Robinson
Nantwich Town FC Women go top of the league with dominant 3-0 victory
Nantwich Town FC Women delivered a commanding display on Sunday 9th February 2025, securing a 3-0 victory over Chester FC Women Development at the Swansway Stadium in the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League Premier Division. The emphatic win sees the Dabbers climb to the top of the league table with 27 points from nine wins and just one loss.
The Dabbers started strong, with Grace Duckworth (sponsored by SugaRich) opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Winning the ball in midfield, Duckworth surged forward and slotted the ball past the keeper to give Nantwich an early lead. Just two minutes later, Bridie Harding (sponsored by Front Guy Gary) doubled the advantage with a well-executed header from a corner. The 2-0 scoreline remained unchanged at halftime, reflecting the Dabbers’ dominance.
The second half saw Nantwich maintain control, and in the 70th minute, Levi Lander (sponsored by Mistoria Group) sealed the win with a powerful free kick that found the back of the net. The Dabbers controlled the majority of the game and fully deserved their place at the top of the table.
Dabbers starting XI:
- K. Townsend
- N. Walker
- B. Harding
- H. Knight
- R. Davies (captain)
- P. Smith
- L. Bulkeley
- M. Ragdale
- A. Fallon
- L. Lander
- G. Duckworth
Subs: 12. A. Hatton, 14. E. Macdonald, 15. B. Davies, 16. K. Green, 17. J. Buckley-Ratcliff.
Dan Mellor, Manager, Nantwich Town FC Women, speaking after the match said:
“We were brilliant today and well worth the win. If I’m being honest we should have scored more than 3 but to get the 3 points was the most important thing for us today.
“Defensively we were strong, I can only remember one save Kara’s had to make in the first half and after that it was all us. Some of our football through the lines and in midfield was arguably some of the best stuff we’ve played this season which is testament to the girls and how they’re still pushing for more week in week out.
“We’re on a strong run and we’re taking it game by game, the girls are focussed on winning next weekend’s game and we’re not getting too ahead of ourselves.”
The day was not just about football, as a Makers Market with a variety of stalls took place, alongside a charity bucket collection in support of Nantwich & District Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Group. The North West Region’s newest RDA group, based at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre, benefited from the generosity of fans in attendance.
With momentum on their side, the Dabbers are setting their sights on further victories as they continue their campaign in the Premier Division. Fans can stay updated on upcoming fixtures by visiting the official Nantwich Town FC website: https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/all-women-fixtures/
For the latest news, match highlights, and team updates, follow Nantwich Town FC Women on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies