Golcar United Women narrowly missed out on promotion but smashed a few records on the way including scoring over 100 goals in just 16 league games – and winning one match 17-0.
The club has also handed out end-of-season awards with Ellie Womersley finishing top scorer and Golden Boot winner with 28 league goals.
Golcar United Women play in the West Riding league and are in Division Two. They narrowly missed out on promotion finishing third in the table. Leeds Hyde Park Firsts were top on 45 points with West Yorkshire runners-up on 41 points. Golcar finished on 35 points overall, winning 11 games, drawing two and losing three.
Speaking about the season Golcar manager Nathan Martin said: “Overall it’s been a great season. We finished 3rd and just missed out on promotion which was a real shame.
“Throughout the season we lost four starting players due to injuries and a couple of our players became pregnant which is amazing for them, of course.
“With so many players out we had to dig really deep to get results, so coming 3rd was a real achievement, in my opinion.
“This season we broke some of our club records. We gained our biggest competitive win 17-0 and we managed to get into the 3rd round of the County Cup for the first time.
“We scored over 100 goals in a 16-game league season, we got 110 goals in all competitions and we also went on our longest unbeaten run of seven games.
Looking back over the season, Martin said: “I had a few great moments but my favourite has to be the 17-0 win at home to Amaranth Crossgates. We were just untouchable and every time we attacked we either scored or hit the woodwork.”
On awards night Ellie Womersley (below, left) won the Golden Boot award for both club and league top goalscorer with 28.
Most Improved Player of the Season went to right-back Lois Smith. Sponsors’ Player of the Season was Holly Ellen. Players’ Player of the Season was won by Lauren Buckley (below, right) and Eleanor Smith was top for assists with 14 contributions in 15 games.
Speaking about the awards night Martin said: “It was a great night with all the players, the committee and the supporters and sponsors.
“We all had a great night celebrating the brilliant season we had achieved and it was a joy to see everyone with smiles on their faces and enjoying themselves. They all deserved it after a hard fought season.”
The Golcar Women’s team has grown over the last 12 months and Martin insists there is more to come.
He said: “The club has definitely grown over the past 12 months on and off the field. We have grown into a really strong side where everyone is not only enjoying their football but is having fun doing it.
“The girls have really stepped up this season and formed closer friendship bonds off the field which has also improved the overall atmosphere within the club.
“Looking back, injuries and lack of squad depth was our issue last season so recruitment will be massive going forward.
“So far we have got a few experienced players who have played at a higher level than Golcar coming to pre-season which will be a massive boost to the squad. Also we are inviting players of all experience to join us on June 25 for a trial session.
“Our aim last season was to fight for promotion but the new aim for the next campaign is to win the league title.
“From last season we know our qualities and we know we can win this league but it will take some hard work from me and all the players to achieve our aim.”
