It’s only the second time it’s been done in the 12 seasons since we have had a women’s team - and The Pride are the first team to do it since Chesterfield in 2018/19.

Everyone associated with the team has known they had the potential; there have been three runners up spots in the past but that final step to become league champions has proved elusive - from becoming a team who could “beat anyone on their day” to achieving the level of consistency required to take the next step - but they have certainly done that this season.

It’s something the whole squad has contributed to, irrespective of number of appearances or minutes played; whenever a player has come onto the pitch they have slotted in and performed to their capability - they've all made an impact. It has at times been challenging to manage, but the squad size and depth has definitely been a factor in performance levels - and may even have contributed to the reduced incidence of injuries.

The old saying goes that games are won by attacks, but titles are won by defences. The team achieved its third highest goal return (82) but, significantly, with the lowest ever goals against of 22 combined for the best ever average net goal difference, highlighting the improvement in consistency and in overall balance between attack and defence. Jade Howell kept a best return in the league of four clean sheets - but there were eight games in which only one goal was conceded which is a credit to her, the defenders and indeed the whole team in front of her.

Top scorer Beth Jones and Tash Collyer, tied on 43 goal contributions in the league each, but goals were scored by 17 different players in league and cup, finishing the season with three in the league’s top ten scorers - Beth Jones (2nd), Tash Collyer (5th), and Daisy Bowen (7th) - and they would surely have been joined by Summer Evans, who finished 12th, had she not missed six games with injury

There has been some really good, eye catching football played along the way but the team has also found other ways to play when needed to achieve the consistency of results required, showing character and resilience to grind results out. The games against Long Eaton United Development - coming back from a 1-3 deficit at half time to win 4-3 - and Buxton away with a depleted squad securing a hard earned 2-1 win in awful conditions, being prime examples and both came at a critical stage in the season. The County Cup match against Derby County Development in December, although ending in defeat, was also significant in the team’s development and the growth in its confidence and belief.

The team has set new standards for the levels that they can achieve and to be able to maintain that throughout the season is exceptional - the players and everyone connected with the team and the wider club should be very proud of the progress that has been made - which has been there for everyone to see - and the achievement of completed the season as “invincibles”. The team now waits for news on their application for promotion to the Regional League, which is anticipated next month.

For a pictorial retrospective of the season click on the main image or on The Season that was 2025-26