Written and photos by Jonathan White
A pre-season ‘Nantwich Town FC Women vs Crewe Alex Legends’ charity football match took place on Saturday 6th July 2024 at Nantwich Town Football Club’s Swansway Stadium on Waterlode in Nantwich.
There was a bucket collection around the stadium; a cake stall, bottle tombola, temporary tattoos, and refreshments in the Atherton & Associates function room and a bouncy castle outside.
The match was compered by Neil Davis from The Cat community radio station (https://thecat.radio/). The Cat is also a shirt sponsor for Nantwich Town FC Women.
Players emerged from the tunnel onto the pitch holding hands with a mascot.
Spectators included Dame Pat Bacon DBE, the Honorary President of the female section of Nantwich Town FC and Dame Pat’s husband Tony Davison, who is a Director at Crewe Alexandra FC.
The match finished 3-3. Nantwich Town FC Women goalscorers: Amy McDermott, Millie O’Connor, Ellie McDonald. Crewe Alex Legends goalscorers: Amanda Fallon, Megan Ragdale, Jess Myatt.
Nantwich Town FC Women: Kara Townsend, Ellie MacDonald, Natalie Walker, Hattie Bourne, Kerry Green, Millie O’Connor, Poppy Smith, Amy McDermott, Rosie Embley, Becky Davies, Jade Buckley-Ratcliff, Katie Winstone, Phoebe Lloyd, Amber Maher, Casey Beamon, Myles Hocknell, Hannah Cornwell.
Crewe Alex Legends: Natalie Tomkins Megan Ragdale, Katie Nuttall, Sarah Symonds (Simo), Tori Howard, Lauren Bracewell, Amanda Fallon, Loren Cooper, Sarah Gill, Laura Garner, Levi Lander, Beth Ragdale, Michelle Simcock, Kate Evans, Gemma Brough, Jess Smith, Emily Riley, Laura Pearce, Kimberley Cahill, Jess Myatt, Kat Spencer.
The Referee was Alfie Hill.
The £680 raised on the day will go to The Christie cancer hospital and Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (in memory of John Tomkins).
John Tomkins was the father of Natalie Tomkins who played for Crewe Alex Girls Centre of Excellence and the Women’s team. John was a regular spectator even when his daughter was not playing.
Natalie Tomkins said: “I feel very honoured that Crewe Alex and Nantwich Town have chosen to play this game in memory of my Dad. Two clubs that have been a big part of my footballing career as a youth and I know that John would have loved the thought of this and I only wish he was here to see it. I would like to thank everyone for their kind words, support and for being involved in this charity game.”
Dan Mellor, Manager, Nantwich Town FC Women, said: “A fantastic event today at the Dabber Dome raising money for two charities that do crucial work. Some great football was played by both sides, with the final result being all square at 3-3. We would like to thank everyone who donated, volunteered, and played a part in making this event happen. Also, a big thank you to Crewe Alex Legends for taking part alongside us.”
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.
For further information relating to Nantwich Town FC Women please visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies