The 2025 WFLA Inter league Finals for the 50s women was a first for our TVWFL representative team. After last year a last minute date change meant we had to pull out. This year the team was determined to make an appearance, and despite several last minute time changes by the WFLA, the team stuck with it and managed to ride the (metaphoric) stormy journey to get to Coleshill.
Our team consisted of player/manager Holly Lovell (Watford & Cheshunt), Nabeela Butt (Cheshunt), Julie Cartnell (Bracknell), Tanya Jacobs (Bracknell), Heidi Johansen-Berg (Oxford), Holly Bridge (Oxford) and Krissy Hall (Oxford).
Our first match was a touch one, against a strong Lancashire team. With a great goal from Holly Bridge and some solid defending, we managed to get a 1-0 win.
The second match was against an equally strong Lincolnshire team. Some good football was played by both teams but a DOGSO penalty was awarded after a foul on one of our midfielders just outside the area saw an opportunity to take the lead. Holly Bridge powered in the penalty and gave the keeper little chance to get to it. We defended well to maintain the lead and it was a gritty performance by the team to finish 1-0 up. Credit to everyone but particuarly our goalkeeper, Julie Cartnell who pulled off a couple of great saves.
The last game was saw some lovely football from the team against the Northamptonshire team. Tanya Jacobs (captain) was the star of the game, netting 4 beautifully taken goals. Holly Bridge and Krissy also bagged one each, with the score finishing 6-0. The play leading up to the goals was brilliant and all very much a team effort.
We all had a great day and it was lovely to play with players who we are normally playing against. The team gelled really well and the team spirit was fantastic.
by Holly Lovell
Women’s 50s Manager
