FAWNL Stats – Division One South West

As we reach Christmas and near the halfway point of the season, now is the time, with the teams having a couple of weeks without a game, to look back at the opening few months of the season and see how everyone is doing. I have collated all of the results that have taken place so far and used them to see not only how the teams are stacking up among the other 11 sides in their division but also in comparison to other teams in their respective tiers and in the FAWNL as a whole. Thanks must go to Nick from the Wolves Women Podcast for alerting me to the stats compiled by NonLeagueHQ on X, which inspired me for the stats you’ll see below. 351 games have been played so far this season, so we are still 45 shy of the halfway point, but now is as good a time as any to see how things are shaping up. To make the information more accessible for you to read, I have split the article into six parts, one for each division, so you may need to flick between a couple for comparisons between specific teams across the leagues. One note: teams with tied statistics all have the ‘highest’ ranking; for example, Wolves, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Loughborough, Peterborough, Bournemouth and Exeter, who have all won every home game, all have an FAWNL rank of 1 for home win percentage.

AFC Bournemouth

Let’s be honest; you can probably guess where the AFC Bournemouth summary is going. They have been perfect so far this season, scoring 46 goals and conceding only 6 for a perfect 9 from 9 to leave them at the top of Division One South West on goal difference. If it wasn’t for Exeter doing the same, they would already be streaks ahead at the top. The only stat which Bournemouth are outside the top two for is the number of goals scored at home where they rank 4th, but with 14 stats ranking them as the best in the FAWNL, they probably won’t be too concerned.

Abingdon United

After promotion to the FAWNL last season, Abingdon United have had an excellent start to life in Tier 4, winning over half of their games and lying in 5th in the table. The ‘best of the rest’ in terms of away performances this season, Abingdon United are third for away point percentage, away win percentage and away goals conceded, ranking in the top 20 in the FAWNL for away goals scored per game. The lowest ranking for Abingdon is home goals scored, but with three wins out of five, the defence is getting the job done.

Bridgwater United

With almost every stat ranking Bridgwater United between fifth and eighth in the division, it’s no surprise to find Bridgwater United in 6th. Their home form has accounted for the majority of their points, winning four from six for a 66% points percentage at Fairfax Park. In the top half of Tier 4 for numerous stats as well, Bridgwater are comfortably in mid-table at the moment. Had Bournemouth and Exeter not had the lightning start they have, Bridgwater would be within touching distance of the top of the table.

Exeter City

The other side pushing for the title in Division One South West at the moment, also with a perfect 9 from 9 so far this season. It’s difficult to put a piece of paper between Exeter and Bournemouth, but Exeter scored more goals at home than Bournemouth this season. The weather denied us the top two showdown in early December, which is now scheduled for early February. Exeter City fans will remember the heartbreak last season of missing out on promotion on goal difference to Cardiff City after dropping just eight points all season. Will they be able to go one better this time around?

Keynsham Town

A 10-0 victory over Selsey in their last home game in the league means that Keynsham Town rank second in Division One South West for home goals per game. Scoring five a game also puts them 5th in the entire FAWNL for that category and 8th in the FAWNL for total home goals scored. With so many FA Cup and League Plate games over the last couple of months, Keynsham have stalled somewhat in the league, only playing twice, both defeats, to leave them 7th but with games in hand. If they can pick up their goal-scoring away from home, they could easily climb the standings in 2024.

Maidenhead United

Scoring goals has proven to be the difficulty for Maidenhead United so far this season, as after netting nine in their first two games, they’ve only scored six in the subsequent seven. That record leaves them 8th in home goals scored and 11th in away goals scored, but they have been able to keep the ball out of their own net on their travels enough to rank in the top half of the table in that regard. One of three teams looking over their shoulders at the bottom two, games against those two as their currently scheduled next two could define Maidenhead’s season.

Moneyfields

The FAWNL’s top goal scorers with 54 from their opening nine games, Moneyfields are in 4th in Division One South West but with a game in hand over third. Had it not been for the perfect starts of the top two, Moneyfields would be right up there. A 16-0 win and two 8-0 wins at home mean that the Moneyfields Sports and Social Club is a formidable place to play football, with Moneyfields ranking at the top of the FAWNL in several home statistics. If that continues, and when at least one of the top two inevitably drops points, expect Moneyfields to be right up there.

Portishead Town

Flirting with the bottom two, Portishead Town’s victory over Selsey last weekend has lifted them clear of the drop, but with Southampton Women’s three games in hand, expect them to be teetering over the edge again soon. The stats suggest this, with Portishead Town ranking 10th or 11th in most places. The ‘mini-league’ of teams towards the bottom will determine who stays up, but Portishead can take heart from the fact they have already beaten the bottom two once this season and drawn against Southampton Women’s. If they can do that again in the second of the season, they will probably have enough points.

Selsey

It’s safe to say that it has not been a good season for Selsey who are yet to score a point and find themselves at the bottom of the table and in the stats columns. With huge defeats at the start of the season, there were a few concerns about whether Selsey would see the campaign out, but it must be said there is a growing respect for the side that is refusing to give up and coming out every week fighting. Although they haven’t scored a point yet, the margin of defeats is shrinking, and hopefully, that first point will come soon.

Southampton Women’s

The league table and the stats probably don’t tell the whole story for Southampton Women’s, who have struggled to get games played so far this season and, as a result, have a lot of games in hand. They rank in the top half of the table for away goals scored per game and away goals conceded per game, so expect to see them jump up a few places once those extra games are played. An average of only 1.29 goals per game though is asking a lot of the defence to get points.

Swindon Town

Division One South West’s third-placed side, Swindon, will be looking at games such as the 0-0 draw with Keynsham Town as an opportunity missed, although they did cancel that out with two late goals to earn a point away at Moneyfields. With a strong home record of five wins out of six, Swindon are in the FAWNL’s top ten for home goals scored and home goal difference. Much like Moneyfields, they need to keep that home form going so that they are ready to pounce when either of the top two slip up.

Torquay United

Promoted to the FAWNL last season, Torquay United’s only win so far this season has come at home to Selsey, but they find themselves only a point from safety. A 3-3 away draw at Maidenhead United has given them enough goals to place them 8th in the league for away goals scored, and with seven home games to play before the season is out, they need to take the opportunities they get. They have also had three single-goal defeats; if they can turn those into draws in 2024, then they might just be able to survive.

It’s taken several days, and just over 7000 words to collate all of the stats from the season so far and write them up, so I hope you enjoyed it! It will be interesting to see come the end of the season how the rankings have changed. Who will continue their momentum and be rewarded with promotion? Who will falter and be left peering over the edge at the tier below? One thing is for certain is that there will be stories along the way. If you have enjoyed this article then please do share it among your friends, and don’t forget the Women’s Football Chat is here every Thursday at 6pm on my YouTube channel, taking you through the latest news, results and fixtures from across the FAWNL.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 23, 2023 0

FAWNL Stats – Division One South East

AFC Sudbury

Just a couple of goals currently keep AFC Sudbury outside the relegation zone after their promotion to the FAWNL last season. It’s looking as though they will be one of four teams in the conversation to go down at the end of the season, with last season’s strugglers Cambridge City and Chesham United joined by Haywards Heath Town. With three draws so far this season, Sudbury ranks 1st in the league in that stat but has struggled elsewhere.

AFC Wimbledon

A superb start to the season sees Wimbledon level on points at the top of the table. They top the league in goals scored, averaging four per game and only conceding just less than 1.5. This also puts Wimbledon in the top five for goals scored in the entire FAWNL. The only blip for Wimbledon so far this season is the number of goals they have conceded at home, with 10 placing them in sixth in the division. It’s doubtful any of the Dons will care too much about that though if the league position stays as it is.

Actonians

A top 20 FAWNL side on the road in terms of goals conceded, Actonians’ home form has caused them difficulties this season, with just one win from six at Rectory Park. That being said, the three defeats they have suffered at home have all come against the current top three, so with ‘easier’ opponents to face in the second half of the season, that form could well improve. A top-four side in the division in terms of goals scored away from home, Actonians will need that form to continue with seven away games to play before the season is out.

Ashford Town

A side already 11 points from the drop, Ashford are a team looking up rather than down, and have one of the best home records and defences in the division, ranking third in both of those categories. Just five points from third place and with a game in hand, it may well be that Ashford are ‘best of the rest’ this season, as Norwich and Wimbledon look to fight it out between themselves. An interesting note from Ashford’s stats is that they are in the top half of Tier 4 for everything.

Cambridge City

Cambridge City struggled last season; they didn’t finish bottom, but had Wymondham Town and Hounslow played out the season, it would have been much more nerve-wracking. This season is similar. Currently in the bottom two with one win and three draws to their name, Cambridge City are in the bottom two. Where are they strongest? The stats would suggest at home where they rank 6th for goals conceded and fifth for goals against per game. Unfortunately, not having a single point on the road has contributed to them being in this position, but a couple of wins at home might just be enough.

Cambridge United

One of the sides who have relied on their away form to put them where they are in the league this season. Having lost the last three at home, Cambridge United are yet to lose away from home, and have 12 points from 18. This is in no small part down to their defence, who keep the opposition to an average of 1.17 goals per game, while the forwards pitch in with a couple and take the three points. Nine points off the top, a charge in the second half of the season isn’t out of the question, but they will rely on others dropping points on more than one occasion.

Chesham United

The inaugural Women’s Football Chat Summer Knockout Tournament winners haven’t had as good a time of it on the pitch in recent years, finishing at the bottom of the league last season and with only six points from nine games this season. However, that is already the same points total they achieved last season, and those two wins are enough to have them out of the bottom two on goal difference at the moment with games in hand. Second in the league in home goals scored per game, and 14th in the FAWNL, January will be very important for Chesham, who face Cambridge City and Haywards Heath Town. A couple of wins in those games will significantly help Chesham in their bid to stay in the FAWNL.

Haywards Heath Town

At the bottom of the table, Haywards Heath Town only has three points to their name so far this season thanks to a 4-1 win over Chesham United in September. They find themselves in the bottom three for almost every category but are mid-table for home goals conceded. There have been occasions they have come close to getting more points with two one goal defeats and two two goal defeats, so in the second half of the season they may well pick up a few more to apply pressure on those directly above.

London Seaward

With one of the best home defences in the league, London Seaward are comfortably in mid-table. Only conceding a goal a game on average at home, they have three wins and a draw from their six played at Oakside. As they aren’t lower than eighth in the division in a single category, it’s unsurprising that they are where they are in Division One South East. Incidentally, that home goals against record is enough for eighth in Tier 4 and 16th in the entire FAWNL.

Norwich City

Norwich look set to be in a straight title race with AFC Wimbledon and are yet to lose this season in Division One South East. They’re in the top 10 in the FAWNL for points per game, away point percentage, away goals against per game, away goal difference per game, away win percentage, total goals scored, total away goals scored, total away goals conceded, total goal difference and total away goal difference. Indeed a superb season for the Norfolk side, but will it end in promotion?

Queens Park Rangers

Away form has lifted Queens Park Rangers to fourth in Division One South East at the halfway point. Six points off the top of the table, they can still say they have a good chance at promotion, helped in no small part by their away form of five straight wins, resulting in the best away win percentage in the league and the 6th best in the FAWNL. It won’t shock you to hear that they’ve scored more away goals than anyone else in Division One South East with 17, a figure which places QPR 4th in the FAWNL for the same statistic.

Worthing

Can Worthing emulate Stourbridge from last year and go straight from Tier 5 through Tier 4 and into Tier 3? With the best home defence in the league and a points tally just five off the top spot, they will certainly hope so. Worthing are also third in the league for goals scored and second for goals against. Their home game against Wimbledon is their penultimate game of the season; how entertaining that could end up being.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 23, 2023 0

FAWNL Stats – Division One Midlands

Boldmere St Michaels

After relegation from the Northern Premier Division last season, Boldmere St Michaels have had a strong start to life in Tier 4 and are currently third in Division One Midlands, four points from the top spot. Their position was substantially improved with victory over Loughborough at the weekend to reduce the gap to the top. With the best away points percentage in the division and seven home games still to play where they have also been strong, they are likely to push Loughborough and Peterborough all the way this season.

Leafield Athletic

A side stronger away than they are at home, Leafield have relied on their travels for all five of their points so far this season. They’ve scored just one goal at home which places them right down towards the bottom of the FAWNL in that regard, but on the road, they are only just outside the top half in both goals scored and goals conceded. That home form will need to improve if they are to bridge the gap to safety, but with the gap only at three points, there’s plenty of time for them to do it.

Leek Town

One of a handful of sides peering over their shoulder at the bottom two, Leek Town have not had a good time of it away from home, ranking at the bottom of the division for away loss percentage, conceding an average of four a game on their travels. That is offset somewhat by a win and two draws at home where defensively they are much better, but are still only averaging a goal a game. With a three-point gap to the drop, it will probably go down to the wire.

Lincoln City

A game or two in hand is the hope that Lincoln City are holding on to at the moment as, similarly to Leek Town, they are flirting with the drop. The upside is that Lincoln have a two-game gap to the bottom two, and their league position is somewhat surprising given their record in front of goal at home, scoring 16 goals in five games for third in the division at an average of 3.2 per game. A couple of 3-2 defeats at home have hurt them. With just two points from 12 on the road, it’s their away form which is causing Lincoln problems.

Loughborough Lightning

Top of the table with 1s and 2s across the majority of the stats board, Loughborough have been perfect at home, scoring three goals per game and conceding only one to make it five wins from five, the away defeat to Boldmere St Michaels last weekend their first of the season. Fourth best in the entire FAWNL defensively away from home, when Loughborough come to town you know you are going to have a difficult time of it.

Northampton Town

With 16 of their 19 points coming at home, it’s unsurprising that Northampton rank highly in the home categories. They are in the top ten in the FAWNL for home point percentage and rank fourth in the league for goals for per game, home goals per game and home goals against per game. The one win in four on the road stops them from being higher up the table, conceding more than three a game and ranking in 10th in Division One Midlands.

Notts County

Losing 11-0 away from home has certainly plummeted Notts in many of the stats, leaving them at the bottom of Division One Midlands and 69th in the FAWNL for away goals conceded. Only draw percentage sees Notts outside the bottom four in Division One Midlands for any stat, and the three-point margin to the drop coupled with an inferior goal difference means Notts are flirting with danger. However, at the moment, they are safe, which was surely the goal after promotion from Tier 5 last season.

Peterborough United

With a perfect record at home and only four points off the top of the table with a game in hand, Peterborough are in a great position to make the second half of the season interesting. They are conceding more than they would like on their travels, ranking 7th in the division with 2.25 per game, but by scoring 2.5 a game, the best in the division, they are at least giving themselves a chance to win those games, which they have done 50% of the time. The game against Boldmere as the first game back after Christmas will surely be exciting.

Sheffield

Drawing nearly half of your games would be fine if you were winning the rest, but Sheffield’s lack of a three-point game so far this season has left them at the bottom of the division, albeit with a game in hand. Given their mid-table nature defensively, it’s safe to assume the problems lie up front, and six goals from nine games leaves them not only ranked 12th in Division One Midlands but 69th in the FAWNL. Draws won’t pull them to safety, so they will be targeting the game against Notts in January as a must-win.

Solihull Moors

Five wins out of 10 means that Solihull are in no danger of the bottom two, with an 11-point gap to them already, but a nine-point gap to the top and no games in hand means that it’s a tough ask for Solihull to get themselves into a title fight. They have done very well away from home, losing just once to top the division in that regard, and are second in the league for goals against. This has allowed their strike force, which is only ranked 8th in the division, to still get the job done.

Sporting Khalsa

With fewer games played than anyone else in the division, the nine-point gap to the top of the table doesn’t look quite as daunting for Sporting Khalsa, who have two games in hand and could put themselves right into the conversation. They are top of the league for goals scored, goals scored at home, and goal difference and are second in the league for away goals conceded, with only four finding the back of their own net. They have played just three away from home this season though, so the second half may be more challenging for Khalsa than the first has been.

Sutton Coldfield Town

The stats show that Sutton Coldfield Town should be a mid-table side this season, and they are about as mid-table as you can get in Division One Midlands, currently in 7th. A strong side away from home, they have only failed to find the net once on their travels and lie 2nd in away goals scored, a stat good enough for the top 20 in the whole FAWNL. Much like Notts County, their goal would have been to remain in the division for their first season, and with an eight-point gap, they’re comfortably ticking along as we reach the halfway point.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 22, 2023 0

FAWNL Stats – Division One North

Barnsley

Barnsley find themselves in the top three in every stat for Division One North (apart from draws) so it is unsurprising that they are at the top of the league going into Christmas. Also, conceding only three goals in nine games puts them 2nd in the whole FAWNL. In a solid position with away wins against Hull and Stockport already this season, Barnsley will be looking to push on in 2024 and reach the third tier.

Chester le Street Town

After getting back into Tier 4 last season Chester le Street Town are finding things challenging, but the games in hand they have over Norton and Stockton Ancients mean that survival is at least in their own hands. As expected, most of the stats place Chester le Street Town towards the bottom of the table; however, their 5-4 away loss to FC United of Manchester puts them 4th for away goals scored. A tough start with two games against Barnsley and Hull start the new year for Chester le Street Town, so they will be targeting the game against FC United of Manchester towards the end of January as one they have to win.

Chorley

It is rare for Chorley not to take anything from a home game, and the 11 points they have achieved at home this season has given them a comfortable cushion to the bottom two. That home point percentage puts them in the top 20 in Tier 4, and they will need that to continue next year with only five home games remaining compared to eight on the road, where so far they have only achieved one point from nine.

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Doncaster switched from Division One Midlands to Division One North over the summer, and it’s fair to say the move hasn’t gone well for the Yorkshire side. After challenging for promotion last season, they’ve only won 33% of their games this year. They do, however, have a strong showing away from home, scoring more than anybody else in the division and ranking in the top 15 in the FAWNL for away goals, helped by a 7-1 opening-day victory over FC United of Manchester.

Durham Cestria

Durham Cestria’s fight with Newcastle for promotion last season went down to the wire, but they find themselves firmly in mid-table this season. Defensively sound, they rank among the top ten in the FAWNL for goals conceded at 0.78 a game but offensively find themselves in the bottom half. If they can continue their home form and pick up another three or four wins from their remaining games, then they will have no trouble remaining in the division but look unlikely for another down-to-the-wire promotion push this campaign.

FC United of Manchester

Following their promotion back to the FAWNL last season, FC United of Manchester have found life challenging in Tier 4, with only one win and one draw from their 11 games. At the bottom of the division in numerous categories, their saving grace so far is the number of goals scored at home. Scoring five in the 5-4 win over Chester le Street Town accounts for many of those. With a three-point gap, an inferior goal difference and having played more games than those directly above them, FC United of Manchester will need a significant turnaround in form to survive.

Hull City

A solid start to the season for Hull City, who have five wins out of six at home and two out of three on the road to go into Christmas just three points off the top of the table. In the top ten in the FAWNL for win percentage, home win percentage, home goals scored, and away goals conceded, the Tigresses are yet to go a game without scoring, and it looks as though it may be a two-horse race between themselves and Barnsley for the spot in Tier 3.

Leeds United

Leeds United finished the 22/23 season in 6th place and are currently in 5th place, but there are numerous categories in which they are ranked higher than their league table suggests. Their 10 goals on the road rank them 3rd in Division One North, and their defence at home also has them 3rd in that category in the division and 6th in the whole FAWNL.

Middlesbrough

Yet to concede at home, Middlesbrough are one of the best home sides in the FAWNL. With such a good home defence, it’s unsurprising that Middlesbrough are fourth in the FAWNL for goals against per game, but three games without scoring has hurt them so far. Two 0-0 draws mean they find themselves six points away from the top, and they have played a game more than Barnsley, so they require other sides to help them get closer in the second half of the season.

Norton and Stockton Ancients

With four draws from ten games Norton and Stockton Ancients have struggled to get the job done in matches so far this season, with just one win to their name. Those results mean they are looking over their shoulder at the bottom two, but the consistent acquisition of points means that so far, they are doing enough to stay in Tier 4 next season. A mid-table side in terms of goals scored at home and goals conceded away, if that form continues they should be able to pick up enough points to put significant pressure on those behind.

Stockport County

Although not quite flying high at the top of their division the same way that the men’s side are, a fourth-place position at Christmas is undoubtedly acceptable for Stockport County. A 50% win rate puts them in fourth in that stat, and they are in the top five in the whole FAWNL for away goals conceded per game, with just three finding the back of their net in five road outings. Currently seven points off the top, they certainly have the potential to be in the conversation come April, and with both Middlesbrough and Hull to play before Valentine’s Day, some big games are on the horizon.

York City

York City have games played and goal difference on their side when looking at the battle to avoid relegation. They are three points clear of the drop, but their better goal difference makes that more like four. Where they haven’t struggled is finding goals, second in the division for home goals scored per game, third for total home goals scored and fourth for away goals scored; it’s keeping the ball out of their net that has caused them problems so far. If they can sort that out, they may well be fine come the end of the season.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 21, 2023 0

FAWNL Stats – Southern Premier Division

Billericay Town

As one of several teams to have reached the halfway point in the Southern Premier Division, Billericay Town are currently six points clear of the relegation zone. With four draws in their 11 games, they have shared the points on more occasions than anybody else in the Southern Premier Division but have struggled at home, with just two points from a possible 15. With a start to 2024 that includes Portsmouth at home on January 7th, it may well go to no win in six at New Lodge, but a game the following week against London Bees will be crucial.

Cardiff City

Much like Billericay Town, Cardiff City Ladies are another side yet to win at home this season, but they have faced most of the top sides. It’s their away form keeping them above the drop zone; with two wins and two draws on their travels, they rank third in the league for away goals per game and 11th in the entire FAWNL for away loss percentage. Sorting the home has to be a priority for the Welsh side, and they start 2024 with a home game against London Bees.

Chatham Town

With just five goals from 11 games this season, Chatham have been relying on their defence for points, collecting their four from three 0-0 draws and a single 1-1 draw. The stats certainly back this up, with the side ranked 7th in the league for away goals against per game and in the top half of Tier 3 for that same statistic, but are 70th in the FAWNL for goals scored. With games against Plymouth and Cardiff in their next three, two sides directly above Chatham, they need to hit the ground running in 2024.

Cheltenham Town

Following an 8th-place finish last season, Cheltenham Town’s current seventh-place in the Southern Premier Division shows progression, although they do have fewer points than when they played 11 games last season. A mid-table side in most of the stats, they rank among the top three for home loss percentage, with only a solitary 1-0 defeat to Oxford to their name, which also puts them within the top 20 of the 72 FAWNL clubs.

Hashtag United

It’s been a superb start to life in Tier 3 for Hashtag United, who are tied for the best side in the FAWNL on the road, winning five out of five away from Parkside. They have played 12, more than any other side, which slightly skews their stats somewhat lower down the table than some others, but when you are in the top half dozen in the FAWNL defensively, you are bound to pick up plenty of wins. Offensively, Hashtag are only a mid-table side, but the points speak for themselves.

Ipswich Town

The league table doesn’t give Ipswich Town enough credit for the start to the season they have had, ranking in the top 10 in the FAWNL for goals scored both home and away, among 12 other stats. Currently 11 points behind Hashtag United in 4th place in the Southern Premier Division, bear in mind that Ipswich have three games in hand and have so far played just three games at home. With eight still to play in the second half of the season and boosted by an impressive win over Championship side Lewes in the FA Cup last weekend, expect Ipswich to be right up there come April.

London Bees

It’s a season to forget so far for London Bees, who have just a point to their name after 10 games. Already eight points away from safety in the Southern Premier Division, they find themselves right down towards the bottom for nearly every stat, although that one draw away from home does put them in mid-table for away draw percentage. They face Cardiff City and Billericay Town in their first games back after Christmas, and you feel that might define their season.

MK Dons

A side who have performed slightly better away from home than they have a StadiumMK, MK Dons have nine points from five games on the road compared to eight at home, but are comfortably in fifth place in the division. Perhaps too far back to challenge come April, but they will be pleased with an away victory against Hashtag United earlier this season. Statistically, MK Dons are in the top 20 in the FAWNL for points on the road and top 10 for their defence at home.

Oxford United

A disappointing season when compared directly to last season’s efforts for Oxford; however, they have done enough so far to make sure relegation is not the threat it looked as though it might be after the first couple of weeks. Home is a happy hunting ground for Oxford, 8th in the FAWNL for goals scored, 6th for goals conceded, and 12th in win percentage, getting maximum points on four out of five occasions. They are too far back to challenge for promotion themselves, but they may well have a say in who does finish in that top spot.

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth are currently the side looking over their shoulder at the bottom two. In front of goal they are sound, but defensively they struggle both at home and on the road, conceding on average 3.5 goals a game while only scoring 1.5. Yet to draw all season it’s all or nothing for Plymouth, but three wins out of ten does mean they have a five-point gap to the bottom two and a mouth-watering tie against Forest in the FA Cup means a lot of money could be coming their way for the future.

Portsmouth

The side which arguably looks the most likely to be in a fight with Hashtag United at the end of the season for promotion into the Championship, Portsmouth, are strong across the board this season. First in almost every category in the Southern Premier Division they have scored more goals and conceded fewer than anybody else, ranking first in the whole FAWNL in eight categories. With two games in hand on Hashtag United, they would go three points clear at the top if they were to win both of those, and they have kept a clean sheet in eight out of ten games. Important games against Hashtag and Ipswich are coming up in the next few weeks.

Rugby

Rugby will have been hoping to emulate Watford and bounce back at the first time of asking following relegation from the Championship last season, and they are certainly in the conversation this season. The problem for Rugby is that they only have a 50% points record on the road and have already played seven of their home games. There aren’t any standout stats for Rugby this campaign so far, so they will need to kick on early next year if they are to mount a challenge to get back at the first attempt.

It’s taken several days, and just over 7000 words to collate all of the stats from the season so far and write them up, so I hope you enjoyed it! It will be interesting to see come the end of the season how the rankings have changed. Who will continue their momentum and be rewarded with promotion? Who will falter and be left peering over the edge at the tier below? One thing is for certain is that there will be stories along the way. The remaining leagues will be posted in the coming days. If you have enjoyed this article then please do share it among your friends, and don’t forget the Women’s Football Chat is here every Thursday at 6pm on my YouTube channel, taking you through the latest news, results and fixtures from across the FAWNL.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 20, 2023 0

FAWNL Stats – Northern Premier Division

AFC Fylde

Following a mid-table finish last season, AFC Fylde have struggled so far this campaign and have relied entirely on their home performances for points with three draws from their seven home games, drawing a higher percentage of games at home than anyone else in Tier 3. Their away form of four losses from four, conceding 23 goals (including 11 to Newcastle), is the worst in the division and joint worst in the tier. If this form continues and only four home games are remaining, two of which are against Forest and Wolves, things could get tricky if they are to survive in the Northern Premier Division.

Burnley

One of the sides in the conversation for league winners on the final day of the season last year, Burnley are once again putting in a strong performance in 23/24. As yet undefeated in the league, they rank among the best in the FAWNL. Their away form has been imposing, conceding less than a goal a game and placing them 6th amongst the 72 FAWNL clubs. Certainly, a side which, in current form, will be in the conversation again come April.

Derby County

One of the worst-performing sides at home in the whole of the FAWNL, Derby have been relying on an excellent away form to steer them clear of danger this season. With an 80% points return on their travels, including an excellent 2-1 win at the City Ground to rival Nottingham Forest, Derby ranks 3rd in the FAWNL for away goals scored, away goals scored per game, and away goal difference. With a nine-point gap to the drop, they will probably be okay in the division this season, but the East Midlands side will be disappointed with how things have gone at Mickleover to date.

Liverpool Feds

Currently in fifth in the Northern Premier Division, a league position perhaps slightly elevated due to having played more games than the sides immediately below them, Liverpool Feds are a side whom rank pretty much in the middle in every category. Ranking seventh in home point percentage and away points percentage, it’s unsurprising that Feds are a mid-table side, but sitting just below the expected top four at the start of the season, Feds have certainly had a campaign they can be pleased with so far.

Halifax

After moving home and changing to Halifax for this season, the biggest problem the side has had has been simply playing games. With only seven in the books, their league position of 10th perhaps doesn’t do them justice; with four games in hand over some sides and only a six-point gap to fifth, expect to see them climb the table in the second half of the season. Three draws from their seven games does mean that they rank second in the FAWNL for draws, and they have drawn a higher percentage of games away from home than anyone else.

Huddersfield Town

Currently six points from safety, but with such an inferior goal difference that it may as well be seven points, Huddersfield need a significant turnaround in form if they are to survive in the Northern Premier Division for another year. Without a single point on the road and just one win at home, which came against the other side in the bottom two AFC Fylde on opening day, they rank lowest in the division for home goals against per game and lowest on away goals for per game. One crumb of comfort that they can hold on to is that they still have seven home games to go, so they have plenty more opportunities to get a couple more wins.

Newcastle United

The FAWNL’s only entirely professional side have met expectations following their promotion from Division One North last season. With nine wins out of ten and just one draw as the blemish on their record, it’s unsurprising that they rank among the very best in the FAWNL. They’re yet to concede away from home and rank in the top ten in the FAWNL for goals scored both home and away. Currently five points clear at the top of the table and showing no signs of slowing down, I sense we may see Newcastle in the Championship next year, and other FAWNL sides may follow suit in the years to come, becoming fully professional with the hope of reaching the second tier.

Nottingham Forest

Last season’s champions have not had the best of times since losing to Watford in the playoff final in May, but they are still in third place in the Northern Premier Division. The downside is that they are 10 points behind leaders Newcastle with only one game in hand and are currently four games back from the league leaders. With no defeats for the Magpies in their first ten games, asking them to lose a handful in the second half of the season is a tall order, and Forest will be relying on other teams to help them out while being perfect themselves in 2024. One thing which Forest has done well so far this season is their defence at home, conceding only four goals in six games, and that will have to continue if they are to stand a chance. January will be crucial to their season, with back-to-back games against Newcastle and Burnley before the month is out.

Stoke City

Surviving last season in 10th last season, Stoke have built from that campaign and are currently an established mid-table side. With a ten-point gap to the bottom two, there’s no immediate danger for Stoke, but they must guard against complacency in the second half of the season. The stats show the middle-of-the-table nature of the side, ranking pretty much in the middle across the board.

Stourbridge

One of only three sides to have already played half of their games this season, Stourbridge have started to become more accustomed to life in Tier 3. After a 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season, a few may have been slightly concerned about how the side would fare in 23/24, but three wins and three draws since then means Stourbridge are in 8th in the table, and nine points clear of the bottom two. The only real concern is the number of goals being conceded on their travels, but the aforementioned defeat to Forest does skew that figure somewhat.

West Bromwich Albion

Eighth last season and currently in ninth, it seems as though it’s de ja vu for West Brom. Had it not been for their victory away at Derby in the final game before Christmas, you would say that their away form is a big concern, but that win gives them a three-game gap to the bottom two, and with a 50% win record at home, they should be fine if they can keep that up in the second half of the campaign.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

After missing out on a second consecutive chance at promotion on last year’s final day of the season, Wolves find themselves firmly in the conversation once again. They may be 12 points behind Newcastle as it stands, but with two games in hand and a perfect home record, they certainly have the opportunity to threaten in the second half of the season. Having only played three games at home and yet to concede a goal in those three games, you could argue Wolves are in the best position of the chasing pack. The next few weeks will be critical, with games against Burnley and Newcastle before Valentine’s Day.

It’s taken several days, and just over 7000 words to collate all of the stats from the season so far and write them up, so I hope you enjoyed it! It will be interesting to see come the end of the season how the rankings have changed. Who will continue their momentum and be rewarded with promotion? Who will falter and be left peering over the edge at the tier below? One thing is for certain is that there will be stories along the way. The remaining leagues will be posted in the coming days. If you have enjoyed this article then please do share it among your friends, and don’t forget the Women’s Football Chat is here every Thursday at 6pm on my YouTube channel, taking you through the latest news, results and fixtures from across the FAWNL.

Happy Christmas if you are celebrating, and bring on 2024!

December 19, 2023 0

The rich are getting richer

Last Thursday, the FA announced an additional £3million would be put into the Women’s FA Cup prize pot this season, bringing the total pool to £6million. It’s pleasing to see that more money is being put into the women’s game; however, unlike the previous monetary increase implemented from the First Qualifying Round, this increase only comes from the Third Round Proper.

So what does that mean? In short, the sides in the Championship, which enter the competition in the Third Round, and the Super League sides, which join in the Fourth Round, benefit, and everybody else has to stay with the same prize money they received last season. You would have thought that the breakdown would have been highlighted at the start of the competition and not altered nearly halfway through. This isn’t £20 you’ve found down the back of the sofa while you’re rummaging for the remote control. £3million is a significant sum of money; where has it appeared from that wasn’t available to announce when the competition began? Is there a new sponsor we don’t know about?

Increasing the prize money for the FA Cup is a good thing. There can be no doubt about that, but I am concerned by the line in the FA article which states, ‘the Final prize pot significantly increases… to ensure success in the competition is rewarded’. But how you define success in the competition will differ for each club. Manchester City will only define success as winning the trophy; Wigan Athletic of Tier 7, the lowest ranked side in the competition who have won £8,800 for winning their three games, probably already define this as successful. That money will help them, but the money from the FA needs to be spread across the pyramid much more evenly. TalkingWoSo on Twitter highlighted that ‘with no fewer than ten sides in Tiers 5 and 6 folding this season, it’s a shame that it hasn’t been targeted to help these clubs’. Given that we are only two months into the season, having ten sides unable to continue is very worrying. The FA can’t be the estate agent showing you the fabulous rooftop pool while trying to prevent you from noticing the crumbling foundations.

Great news but those who would have benefited the most from an increase in prize money haven't seen one.

A pyramid is only as strong as its base and with no fewer than ten sides in Tiers 5 and 6 folding this season, it's a shame that it hasn't been targeted to help those clubs. https://t.co/KZAUGV05xB pic.twitter.com/bgtcUzYhPQ
— Talking WoSo (@TalkingWoSo) November 9, 2023

Realistically, a Super League side will win the FA Cup, so how much of an increase will they get this season? Last year, the total prize money for winning Rounds 4 and 5, the Quarter-Final, Semi-Final and Final, was £210,000. This year, that figure jumps to £814,000. The majority of Super League sides will win their Fourth Round tie. In the 22-23 season, only one lost to lower league opposition and before that you have to go back to the 18-19 season when then Championship side Manchester United beat Brighton. The conclusion is that Super League sides unless they draw each other, will win one game, make Round 5 and get a guaranteed £74,000. For winning one game. After winning one game, London Seaward of Division One South East needed to crowdfund to help with travel costs to Exeter in the FAWNL Plate. These are two very different worlds.

In an article for The Guardian, Suzanne Wrack has done the maths, highlighting that 62.4% of the total pot was accounted for before the Championship sides entered the competition last season. This season, it will be 30.9%. The money is the same; is the percentage of the pot going to the clubs who arguably need it? No. It seems more sensible that if the total prize money were to double, why not double the prize money in each round? A few minutes spent with a spreadsheet and a calculator showed me that with an extra £16,000 added to the prize pot, the winner’s and loser’s prize money for every team in every round could be doubled. The winner of the competition would still secure close to £500,000, but each Tier 4 side would get at least £2000 just for being in the competition, with £3000 for each Tier 3 side. A couple of wins would see sides getting £20,000. It doesn’t sound like a lot but don’t forget we aren’t dealing with multi-million-pound businesses here. These are small and, in some cases, independently run clubs. I’m not privy to any financial information for any club in the FAWNL or below, but I think that money would make a world of difference.

		22/23 pot		23/24 pot
	Number of Ties	Winners	Losers	Winners	Losers
First Qualifying Round	104	1800	450	3600	900
Second Qualifying Round	128	3000	750	6000	1500
Third Qualifying Round	88	4000	1000	8000	2000
First Round Proper	56	6000	1500	12000	3000
Second Round Proper	28	8000	2000	16000	4000
Third Round Proper	20	10000	2500	20000	5000
Fourth Round Proper	16	150000	3750	30000	7500
Fifth Round Proper	8	20000	5000	40000	10000
Quarter Final	4	25000	6250	50000	12500
Semi Final	2	50000	12500	100000	25000
Final	1	100000	50000	200000	100000
				£6,008,000

My thoughts on an FA Cup pot. Is this not a fairer breakdown for everyone?

Hopefully, at the next prize pot announcement, the money will be spread more equally and less like the live drawing of ties, only happening once the big sides come in.

November 14, 2023 0

Artificial Intelligence – Amazingly Intuitive or Astonishingly Insulting?

As I write this the debates are continuing, as they do every single week, about decisions made by the Video Assistant Referees in the Premier League. Right now, you’re probably thinking, ‘Woah, Chris! Your show is all about the FA Women’s National League. Why are we discussing the Premier League?’ Well, VAR was brought in to help the referees make the right decision, and frequently, they still manage to get it wrong. In the FAWNL, one side has used AI to help them as people promote their game, and in my view, they got it spectacularly wrong.

This article is not going to turn into a team-bashing exercise, but as the original tweet has been deleted, you have to do a little bit of searching to find the remnants of it. On Sunday, Haywards Heath Town of Division One South East put out a tweet stating that they were using AI and other technologies to enhance their online presence. There wouldn’t be a problem with that if it weren’t woefully done. The video in question consisted of a preview of the coming weekend’s FA Cup First Round match against Chatham Town, with an AI person reading the text that had been inputted, with graphics behind them adding to the narration. It didn’t sound terrific, it didn’t look excellent, and there were errors in it, principally that Vitality no longer sponsors the FA Cup.

The manager of Haywards Heath Town Women, Nick Bolt, told Since71 on X that the software is £25 a month for 15 minutes and that they have not been able to get anybody to do the social media for the club voluntarily. In fairness to the club, they did advertise for a social media manager in the summer and if they did not receive anybody willing to volunteer, which, based on the information provided, they did not, then their idea to explore other options is a valid one. However, I don’t think what they produced is the answer.

It has brought AI to the forefront of the discussion in and around the game though. What is it capable of doing for us? What do we need to make sure it steers well clear of? We should read how Artificial Intelligence believes Artificial Intelligence is being used in the game first, and then have some thoughts.

As the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) continues to grow in popularity, clubs and organisations are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve performance, provide better player safety, and enhance the fan experience. One of the ways AI is being used in the FAWNL is through performance analysis. Coaches and analysts can use AI algorithms to track player movements, analyse their performance, and identify areas for improvement. This technology can help players and coaches gain new insights into the game and make more informed decisions on the pitch. In addition to performance analysis, AI is also being used to improve player safety. With the physical demands of football increasing, teams are using AI to monitor player health and prevent injuries. Wearable technology can track a player’s heart rate, body temperature, and other vital signs, allowing coaches to make data-driven decisions about player safety. Finally, AI is also being used to enhance the fan experience in the FAWNL. Through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), fans can now experience the game in new and immersive ways. For example, fans can use AR to view player stats and information in real time or use VR to experience the game from the perspective of their favourite player. Overall, AI is playing an increasingly important role in the FAWNL, helping to drive the growth of the league and provide a better experience for players and fans alike. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI in the years to come, and the FAWNL will continue to be at the forefront of this exciting development in football.

Those are some interesting points, but they are a long way from the primarily amateur world of the FAWNL. Some teams do use it for performance analysis and wear the technology that allows them to track the players effort levels to help avoid injuries and the like, but the mention of augmented and virtual reality is a long way off. As a note, the AI knew what the FAWNL was but churned out the same article about women’s football I had asked it previously and just added the FAWNL in.

If I’m honest, I think we are a long way from it featuring week in and week out. It’s certainly not going to replace my opinions on the Women’s Football Chat each week; it isn’t going to be able to make the graphics for me, and it certainly isn’t capable of commentating on games. During a match, a real person needs to do the updates on social media, conduct the post-match interviews, and write the match reports. Incidentally, I also asked it to write a match report for Forest’s 2-0 victory over Wolves, and it churned out something with all the information incorrect for it. When asked to preview this weekend’s FA Cup games, apparently, Manchester City are playing Aston Villa.

However, it could be helpful for some clubs. Not everybody is comfortable writing, and sometimes it is not easy to think what to say. AI, such as ChatGPT, can help by writing articles for a programme or the occasional tweet if you give it enough information. However, it needs to be carefully monitored and proofread before it goes out into the public domain.

To conclude, by taking it back to the title of this article, it feels inevitable that AI will begin to play a more significant role in the game in the years to come, so there’s nothing wrong with trying things out. For now though, don’t replace people – our feelings and emotions when writing are what give the piece life. Please don’t take that away from us.

November 8, 2023 0

FAWNL Round Up – September 3rd – A Record Broken

Following some postponements on opening day and then the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, last Sunday was the first time all 72 clubs were in action. The leagues are starting to take a little bit of shape, but it is far too early to see who the front runners are going to be in the 23/24 campaign.

Northern Premier Division

Nottingham Forest are now two points clear at the top of the table after a 4-1 away win in the late kick-off at West Bromwich Albion. The scoring was opened just before the half-hour mark when Freya Thomas broke the deadlock, with Charlotte Greengrass adding to the score line four minutes later. Greengrass would get her second in the second half, with Mai Moncaster rounding off Forest’s scoring. Emily Batty in the Forest net also did well to keep out a penalty in the second half.

Two of last season’s title challengers played out a 1-1 draw as Burnley and Wolves met early this season; their sharing of the points is what has given Forest the early lead. Newcastle, another side tipped to do well this season, got their league campaign off to a fine start with a 4-0 away win at AFC Fylde. Bridget Galloway’s brace helping them on their way. Stoke City beat Huddersfield Town by the same score to get their first win of the season.

There was drama at Clayborn between Halifax and Stourbridge. Three goals in the first half for Stourbridge meant that they went into the break 3-2 up on the road until the 6th minute of added time, when a corner was delivered right under the bar, and Halifax scrambled it in to share the points.

Derby County’s disappointing start to the season continued as Liverpool Feds were victorious by three goals to two at Jericho Lane. Goals for the Feds from Bethany Donoghue and Rosie Kinvig within the first five minutes of the second half turned their deficit around, and Katie Anderson’s goal 13 minutes from time would prove to be the game-winner. The result leaves Derby in the relegation zone at this early stage.

Southern Premier Division

A few days after their announced takeover, Cardiff City Ladies travelled to Portsmouth, but a hattrick from Danielle Lane plus scoring from four other players meant it was not a happy trip to the south coast, with Portsmouth coming away 9-0 winners. Without Welsh number one Laura O’Sullivan in goal for Cardiff, it was always going to be a challenging game.

Oxford United had not lost at home since April 23rd 2019, until two goals from Samantha Rowland in four minutes gave Hashtag United what would prove to be an unassailable two-goal lead. As Hashtag’s Twitter post proclaimed at the end of the game, they are not just there to show up, and as one of four teams to go two for two so far this year, it remains to be seen how far they can go.

There would be heartbreak for Billericay Town as Rugby scored twice in the closing stages to take all three points away from the New Lodge. Lily Greenslade in the 87th minute and Angelina Nixon in the 95th minute sinking the Billericay ship. The same score was played out between Cheltenham Town and London Bees, although the scoring was much more spread in this game. 1-1 at the break, Cheltenham’s winner came 12 minutes from time, when Emily Owen found the net to give them their first win.

Ipswich Town dominated Plymouth Argyle with braces from Sophie Peskett, Natasha Thomas and Lenna Williams, plus a goal for Evie Williams in a 7-1 victory, and Milton Keynes Dons are up to fifth after a 3-0 win at home to Chatham Town.

Division One Midlands

If you wanted tight games, Division One Midlands was the place to be on Sunday. Two draws and three two-goal wins were on offer as Notts County secured their first point of the season with a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield, and two late goals at Leek Town meant the points were shared there as well. Emma Henderson must have thought she had won the game for Leek when she found the net in the third minute of injury time at the end of the 90, only for Cassie Steward to do the same one minute later for Lincoln.

Peterborough United scored twice in the final fifteen minutes to emerge victorious over Sutton Coldfield Town by four goals to two, not to be outdone by Leafield Athletic who scored twice in the last five to beat Boldmere St Michaels by three goals to one. Sarah Hazell and Leonie Joyce with the late goals for Leafield.

Sporting Khalsa are top of the table following a 2-0 victory away at Solihull Moors, with Rebecca Hall netting in the first half and Alexandra Liddiard in the second for Khalsa. The biggest Division One Midlands win of the day came in Loughborough, where the Lightning beat Northampton Town by three goals to nil, Ferne Powell, Georgia Hewitt and Lydia Tilbury-Henry with the goals for Loughborough.

Division One North

Hull City were the day’s big winners in Division One North as a Helen Lynskey hattrick helped them to a 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough. A brace for Paige Williams lifted Leeds United above Doncaster Rovers Belles by three goals to one, and an Abi Housecroft brace did a lot of the damage as Barnsley won well away at Chester le Street Town by three goals to nil.

The other games were much tighter. Melissa Ball found the net on the stroke of halftime in what would prove to be the only goal of the game for Chorley as they secured three points against York City, and a goal midway through the first half was enough for Stockport County to win well away at Durham Cestria, Jessica Gillin the only name on a very small scoresheet.

In the final game in Division One North, FC United of Manchester and Norton and Stockton Ancients played out what would prove to be a very uneventful 0-0 draw.

Division One South East

It was goals galore in the south east, with 33 across the six games and at least four in each. Norwich City and London Seaward were the only sides to draw; they shared four goals equally. Goals from Megan Burrows and Katherine Long cancelled out Natasha Snelling’s brace for Norwich.

Two games saw 4-0 wins for the home side as Actonians beat Cambridge City and Cambridge United defeated Haywards Heath Town. Actonians got most of their scoring done in the first half as they were three goals to the good by the break, Amber Dredge netting the fourth 14 minutes from time. It was a superb day for Worthing, who thrashed Chesham United by five goals to one. Rebecca Bath was prolific in front of goals scoring four times in the second half following Samantha Quayle’s opener, Natalia Makowska with Chesham’s only tally.

Not to be outdone, Ashford Town had four against AFC Sudbury by halftime, with goals from Ashley Cheatley, Alissa Down, Aimee Durn and Brogan Moore. Down would complete her hattrick in the second half for a 6-1 victory leaving Ashford at the top of the table. Finally, for Division One South East, AFC Wimbledon and Queens Park Rangers played out an eight-goal thriller, with last season’s runners-up starting this year’s campaign with three points as they came out on the right side of a 5-3 win.

Division One South West

Finally, in Division One South West, AFC Bournemouth remain at the top of the table following a 3-1 victory at home to Bridgwater United. Alisha Buckingham opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark with goals in the second half to Molly Clark and Molly Gladwell. Chloe Snook with the only goal for Bridgwater. Maidenhead United are up to second on goals scored after heaping yet more misery on Selsey, who are now on -18 goals after just two games. A hattrick for Simone O’Brien plus goals for Gemma Bloor and Isabella Stockton meant Maidenhead ran out 5-0 winners.

Third are Exeter City, who despite going a goal down to Helena Diaz-Butcher’s third-minute opener, had Natasha Knapman to thank for two goals in the final ten minutes giving them a 3-1 win at home to Swindon Town. Abingdon United secured their first points of the campaign with a convincing 4-1 win away at Portishead Town, and a Brooke Stirrup goal two minutes before the break proved to be enough as Keynsham Town beat Southampton Women’s by a goal to nil.

Last but by no means least, Moneyfields rallied back from two goals down inside 6 minutes to beat Torquay United by five goals to two. Emma Hollingsworth had given Torquay a dream start, but slowly and surely, Moneyfields clawed their way back in. Chelsie Hay scored on the quarter of an hour mark, followed by Kirsty Pearce at 34’ and Charley Wilson-Wilton at 41’, meaning Moneyfields went into the break in front. Hay got her second within five minutes of the second half, and Gemma Simmonds fifteen minutes from time netted a fifth for the visitors.

It was a weekend full of goals and full of drama. This week the midweek fixtures begin with games tonight, tomorrow and Thursday before another mostly whole weekend. On Sunday, some games have been cancelled because of the Preliminary Round of the FAWNL Cup and Plate competitions, which will be covered in next week’s round-up and next Thursday’s Women’s Football Chat. In the meantime, keep an eye out for my opinion piece later this week, and why not join the Predictor League, which you can do from the tab at the top of this page.

September 5, 2023 0

The end of an era

It has now been five days since the news broke that the FAWNL Management Committee had resigned and control of the third and fourth tiers of Women’s football. There have been several articles and reports surrounding the reasons why, Kathyrn Batte and Matt Hughes wrote one such piece for the MailOnline. The reasons were described as varied and complex. Among others, there was the row about starting the season on the same day as the World Cup final, but this has been spoken about extensively by myself and others and isn’t something I will bring up again. It has happened, and we need to move past it.

In my opinion, there is one reason cited which is at the heart of the reason why this change has come about. Difficulties in recruiting volunteers to run the National League. In my view, this is the biggest problem the FAWNL faces. The Chair, Carol West, and the rest of the Management Committee should not have been volunteers, particularly now, when teams are beginning to move to entirely professional, professional hybrid and semi-professional models. Yet, the league was run by a group of dedicated people who had to do it alongside a job to pay the bills. You cannot run six first-team leagues and four reserve divisions that way and the fact that they did for so long should be commended. On the Women’s Football Chat, I mentioned my issues with the league over the last couple of seasons, primarily around communication on social media. I even offered to help at the beginning of the 22/23 season, which was politely declined. However, I firmly believe that had the Management Committee been given the funding to make running the FAWNL their career, the vast majority if not all of these communication issues would not exist.

I don’t believe the work that Carol West and the rest of the committee have put in to grow the game over recent years can be understated, and we should be forever grateful to them. They worked hard to bring the league to new audiences the best they could with the time and resources they had available; the Cup draw on TalkSport springs immediately to mind, as well as getting the playoff final on the BBC Sport website and BBC local radio. We should not let the conflict of the last few weeks make us forget the positives that have brought to the league in previous seasons.

The FA now has control of the FAWNL and has had to hit the ground running with the Determining Round of the Cup on Sunday, resulting in the Preliminary Round draw yesterday, made more complicated by the withdrawal of a couple of teams. At the time of writing, that draw can only be found on a particular section of the Full Time site for the Cup and not at all for the Plate, the draw first being announced on TalkingWoSo. What happens in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

Finally, and bringing to a close a much shorter article this week, there remains one thing to say to Carol West and the rest of the committee. Thank you. Thank you for the time and effort you have put in over the years to make the league what it is today. I hope you can now enjoy the games without the added stress of making all of the leagues operational and wish you all the best for the future.

August 30, 2023 0