FA Women’s National League
Northern Premier Division
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ hopes of a top three finish took a knock as they were beaten 2-1 by Halifax FC Women on Wednesday night. Lucy Sowerby and Georgia Stevens scored the goals to leave Halifax requiring a win in their final game to secure a top half place, despite conceding an own goal.
Stoke City meanwhile eased to a 5-0 victory over Fylde Women, which means that they will finish in fifth. Roisin Kivel, Shannon Stamps and Alive Higginbottom ensured that Stoke were three goals ahead at the interval, before Heidi Logan and Sophie Tudor rounded off the scoring during the second half.
There were plenty of goals on offer at Derby County where the home side edged out Liverpool Feds 4-3. The Ewes led at half time through a goal from Kira Rai but after the break, they increased their lead through further strikes from Emelia Wilson, Amy Sims and Dolcie O’Connor. The Feds came roaring back in the final half hour with Beth Donoghue hitting a hat-trick but it was not quite enough for them to get a share of the spoils.
Division One North
Hull City have clinched the title and a return to the Northern Premier Division after just two seasons away, after they ran out 5-1 winners away to Leeds Utd on Tuesday night. Hope Knight was on target twice for Hull along with Rachael Ackroyd, Shakala Brookes and Helen Lynskey, before Jessica Rousseau grabbed a late consolation for the home side.
York City are very close to securing their league status and only a huge turnaround in goal difference will now put them in jeopardy, after they picked up a valuable point in a 1-1 draw with Stockport County. After a goalless first half, Jess Holder gave York the lead seven minutes after the restart with a goal which looks certain to keep them in the league, despite Lily Weston equalising for County with twelve minutes remaining.
This result means that Chester-le-Street Town have a lot to do in order to stay up, following their 5-2 defeat at home to Chorley. Millie Fitzpatrick led the scoring for the Magpies with a hat-trick and she was joined on the scoresheet by Safron Newhouse and Laura Walker, whilst Jenny Ashton netted twice in reply for the Cestrians.
Division One South East
Even though they will not finish as Champions, Norwich City are only one game away from an unbeaten season following their 6-1 success away to Chesham Utd. Ellie Smith led the scoring with a brace and the others came from Lauren Hailes, Holly Kennard, Natasha Snelling and Hope Strauss, with the Clarets replying through Becky Bloor.
The mid-table clash between Cambridge Utd and Ashford Town (Middlesex) meanwhile finished in a 2-2 draw, leaving Ashford three points in front of their opponents and set for a top half finish. Ruth Fox and Isabella Simmons were on target for the U’s, whilst Ashford netted through Giuseppina Carnevale and Alissa Down.
Division One South West
Exeter City ensured that they will go into the title decider with AFC Bournemouth in pole position after they ran out 5-0 winners away to Portishead Town. Sarah Stacey scored a goal in each half, as did Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham, and an own goal completed the scoring.
