By Jonathan White, photos by Peter Robinson
Nantwich Town FC Women made an unforgettable entrance into life in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South with a commanding 8–1 triumph over Altrincham FC Women at the Swansway Stadium on Sunday 17th August.
In their very first outing at Tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid, the Dabbers delivered a performance full of flair, confidence, and clinical finishing to announce themselves as serious contenders in their new division.
Star striker Amanda Fallon lit up the game with a breathtaking five-goal haul, including a first-half hat-trick that sent Nantwich into the break 3–1 ahead. Fallon’s heroics, backed by goals from Katie Greenwood, Bridie Harding, and Poppy Emery, ensured the Dabbers’ historic league debut was one to remember.
The home side impressed not just in attack but across the pitch, with a disciplined and determined display from the entire squad:
Starting XI – 1. K. Townsend, 2. A. Mayer, 3. P. Smith, 4. K. Naylor, 5. B. Harding, 6. L. Pearce, 7. J. Alderman, 8. K. Greenwood, 9. A. Fallon, 10. M. Ragdale (Captain), 11. L. Bulkeley. Subs: H. Knight, P. Emery, J. Buckley-Ratcliff, B. Ragdale, S. Cawley.
Manager Dan Mellor was full of praise for his side after the match:
“The girls were absolutely outstanding today. To go out in our very first league game since promotion and produce that level of performance says everything about their quality and their character.
“From the first whistle we were on the front foot, brave in possession, ruthless in attack, and organised when we needed to be.
“Scoring eight goals at this level is no small achievement, and it’s a credit to the hard work they’ve all put in during pre-season. We’ve set the tone now, that has to be the standard going forward and the challenge for us as a group is to carry that same intensity, togetherness and quality into the weeks ahead.“
With opponents this season including AFC Crewe, Chester, Ellesmere Port Town, Macclesfield FC, Manchester Laces, Runcorn Linnets, Warrington Town, and Wirral Phoenix, the Dabbers have already made a statement that they are ready to compete.
Next up, Nantwich face AFC Crewe at home on Wednesday 20th August (7:30pm KO) before travelling to Alsager for their first away fixture on Sunday 24th August (2pm KO).
Supporters can follow all the latest Dabbers news, match action and behind-the-scenes updates on the team’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies