First up were our 1st team who held their end of season social at The Orange Tree in Derby on Friday night. Once again, team sponsor Topmark Joinery very generously arranged a delicious hot buffet, cooked and delivered by another sponsor, The Spice Lounge.

The end of season social is primarily an opportunity to relax and unwind with teammates, family, friends, supporters and sponsors, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the past season. The 2024/25 season could be divided into two (uneven) halves. After a rather mixed start form improved from the beginning of November. From that point on the team lost only once in the League and once in the Challenge Cup (in the semi-final, to eventual league and cup double winners Borrowash Victoria) finishing with a six-game unbeaten run in the league, including draws with the eventual champions and runners up, to secure 4th place.
 
We went one better than last year by lifting the Derbyshire FA Women’s County Plate, beating Staveley Miners Welfare of the Sheffield and Hallamshire League in the final attended by 300 spectators at Mickleover FC in March - and the semi-final of the League’s Challenge Cup.
 
Rachel Weaver and Annie Laight achieved the landmarks of 100 1st team appearances during the season, whilst Tash Allderidge completed a remarkable 140 consecutive appearances between 6/1/2019 and 23/3/25, a period of 6 years 2 months and 17 days without missing a game.

It was a very close finish for the Golden Boot, which was only decided on the final day of the season with Beth Jones’ 19 league goals just pipping Daisy Bowen with 18 (both players scored 30 times in all competitions), whilst Tash Allderidge beat her own record for the most assists (20) for a season.

The presentations kicked off with some fun awards before the primary awards were presented:

Top Scorer (League) - Beth Jones

Golden Glove/Save of the Season - Jade Howell v Buxton 9/9/24

Goal of the Season - Aimee Healy-Raynor v Borrowash Victoria 23/3/25

Coaches’ Award - Daisy Bowen and Tash Collyer

Team Player of the Year - Hannah Roberts

Players’ Player of the Year - Hannah Roberts

Above all, it was a relaxing evening spent in good company and another fantastic night enjoyed by everyone at a terrific venue!