After a wonderful title win for the women it was time to end the season on the high as Rick Tate’s women looked to win confidently and prove they deserve this title. The faced a challenging home game to Brighton Seagals who they faced just 4 weeks ago in the reverse fixture. A win today would provide the icing on the cake for a team who have had a tumultuous turnaround this season from having to desperately gather a squad of 11 to being in possession of silverware. The weather was beautiful as teams took to the field one final time for the season.
The game started slowly with all the game being played in the Seagals half. Town fired a few attacking runs at the defence but no shots on target. Until the 14th minute when Charlotte Long had a shot which was saved but it was Geri Burt who finished the shot to make it 1-0 to Town and proved why they are champions.
The game then became a midfield affair with neither keeper worked. Then Town scored again from a set piece, a scramble was placed nicely in by Georgina Thornton- Barter to make it 2-0 to Town.
Town looked like a team ready to go up and they made it clear this game was not just a formality. Geri Burt looked to make it a brace in the 40th minute and was clear on goal however somehow she missed it and it remained 2-0. Then she went forward again however she placed it just wide again. Town dominated the chances in the first half as Seagals provided very little in the Town half. So just like the men on Saturday, the women went in at the break 2 goals to the good infront of a healthy Saffrons crowd.
The second half started with intensity as both sides looked to finish the season with a good final half. Geri Burt again provided danger for Town charging at the Seagals keeper however nothing came of the chance. Then, Seagals had a nice strike forcing the town keeper into a save. Town started the second half poorly however as Seagals were allowed another chance on goal infuriating Rick Tate. Town played most of the game in their own half and following an inhaler break from a Town player, now was the time to switch on. Seagals went on the attack again charging down the middle however the town keeper saved it.
Town entered their half at least however overall it was Seagals who dominated the half until then. Geri Burt then went on an attack and looked to make it 3 for town however she placed it just wide. It then became a midfield affair again before right at the end, Geri Burt hit the post. The brace did not seem to be coming for her in this game no matter how hard she tried.
The game ended 2-0 as the celebrations erupted at The Saffrons. The women could now relax and take in their achievements complete with lots of champagne and confetti. Congratulations once again to everyone involved in the women’s team!
Manager Rick Tate celebrating the title with a bottle of champagne
The women celebrating at full time.
Photos and report by: Mackenzie Whitehouse