Seniors 2015-16 season review
Posted by on 28 June 2016
ARNOLD TOWN LADIES FC
A REVIEW OF SEASON 2015/2016
FIRST TEAM – EAST MIDLANDS WOMEN’S REGIONAL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
The squad, managed by Richard Povey and Steve Weatherby, added several young players from the previous season’s under 18s to some established players for the opening fixture at home to Rise Park on Wednesday 2nd September. Disappointingly, it was the visitors who ran out 4-1 winners with Laura Coulthard scoring our goal. The next fixture was an FA Cup qualifier with Arnold running out 2-1 winners against Dronfield Town, captain Jenny Lorimer scoring with the last kick of the match. The following week saw our away day at Grimsby Borough and despite an early goal from Laura Coulthard the side failed to hold the lead with Grimsby equalising in the 86th minute. What looked like a hard earned point was cruelly taken away when a harsh penalty was awarded against Claire Potter in the dying seconds, and duly despatched, giving Grimsby a 2-1 win.
During August an approach had been made to a manager whose team had suddenly disbanded. After some discussion and having seen the young players in the squad, he agreed to join. So on 25th September Andy Ingle was appointed manager, with Richard as assistant and Steve handling kit and administration. Both Richard and Steve were delighted to have brought in a manager with 15 years experience in girls and women’s football and a proven track record of results.
Andy was excited at the prospect of working at an established club and with the players. However, he warned that it would take time to get the best out of the squad because he would be changing the style of play. How right he was! Training was geared to fitness, which was essential for the new system to be played. A number of heavy defeats followed, the worst performance being away to Notts County Development and a 9-0 thrashing! Progress in the FA Cup was also cut short with a 8-3 defeat against Ruddington.
Despite these defeats progress was being made and the fitness was improving and team spirit was growing. So much so that on 22nd November we played Grimsby Borough at home and were 4-0 up inside 25 minutes, eventually winning 7-1, with a hat-trick for 17 year old Molly Parker and a goal from another 17 year old, Emily Nelis. From that match onwards there was progress each week and the side became much more competitive. A couple more wins were gained before the end of the season as the squad developed its pressing game. Andy had brought in an experienced defender, Chayley Davey, and a new keeper, Emily Hallam and these two players contributed significantly as the squad continued to progress.
At the end of the season several “friendly” matches were played and more 16 and 17 year olds introduced into senior football, revealing the depth of talent within the Club.
At presentation the awards went to:
• Players’ Player – Chayley Davey
• Manager’s Player – Charley Norman
• Most Improved Player – Tina Potter
• Supporters’ Player – Molly Parker
SECOND TEAM (RESERVES) – NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GIRLS & LADIES LEAGUE SENIOR DIVISION
The squad comprised 16/17 year olds from the previous season’s under 18s along with several experienced players and a number of new faces. The season started on 6th September in dramatic fashion against Sherwood Ladies with the match being abandoned after 68 minutes when an Arnold player was attacked by her opponent! The referee deemed the incident to have created a high risk of further foul play, hence his decision.
Thankfully there were no other concerns as the team continued its league programme. Expectations on the pitch were to finish in a respectable league position but early on a couple of sides withdrew from the league and the possibility of some success was clear. So it proved with the team playing well enough to be in contention in both the league and the cup.
As part of player development several members of this squad were also included in some first team fixtures and performed well when stepping up to that level.
By the end of April it became clear that there was a real possibility of a championship with only two teams in the running, Arnold and Clifton. However, Arnold had to win all their remaining games and hope Clifton would drop points. On 4th May Ilkeston and Clifton unexpectedly drew 1-1 providing Arnold with the chance of the championship. To do it they would have to beat Ilkeston, Mansfield Town and Sherwood. Before these games Arnold played Sherwood in the League Plate final, losing 2-1 AET. The management now had to pick the team up to win these last three league fixtures.
The Ilkeston game saw Arnold go 3-0 up before Ilkeston scored two quick fire goals midway through the second half. Suddenly the reliable defence was jittery, the spectators anxious and the management increasingly concerned. With the minutes ticking away keeper, Megan Preston, made a vital save and with a minute remaining, Chloe Stocks drove in the fourth goal – relief all round!
So Mansfield away and the tension was palpable. Arnold dominated play throughout the first half but missed a string of chances and the pattern continued in the second half, with Mansfield hardly able to get out of their half. With 15 minutes remaining manager George Achillea made a bold decision, putting centre back Hannah Turnbull-Tilley up front. It paid off after just three minutes with Chloe Stocks prodding home from Hannah’s pass. Two further goals in the last couple of minutes made it safe and it was smiles all around.
So to the final game at home to Sherwood. Despite all the pressure of the previous two “must win” games the side took to the field full of confidence and took command with two first half goals, eventually running out 5-0 winners. CHAMPIONS!
Then the news got even better – PROMOTION to the East Midlands Women’s Regional League!
At presentation the awards went to:
• Players’ Player AND Manager’s Player – Chloe Stocks
• Most Improved Player – Emily Nelis
• Goal of the Season – Hannah Hughes
• Andy Bowers Trophy – Leighanne Powles
SEASON 2016/2017
There is a real buzz around the senior players and with both teams competing in the EMWFL next season (with the second team to be titled Arnold Town Development in Division 1 North) there is great optimism from the management and players. Let’s hope we can fulfil that optimism!
