WCWFC | Mid-Season Review – First Team and Community
We take a look back at an incredible first half of the season for the First Team and WCWFC in the Community
Photo by Maisie Tay Photography
Pre-season
The First Team went into the summer following a historic first-ever FA Women’s National League campaign that saw them stay in the Division One Midlands with one thing in mind…try to build on what they achieved last season.
The club didn’t hang around in the summer by bolstering the squad with several new personnel, including goalkeeper Jodie Whiteman, defender Carys Lowley, midfielders Nyah Edwards, Laila Rich, Clara Zaffignani and winger Charlotte Poole.
New beginnings
The FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands season started with a trip to Barnsley in August, but City were beaten 3-1 after an end-to-end affair. City got their first three points of the season the following Sunday at Sixways, where they beat Sutton Coldfield Town 1-0.
August ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Leafield, with the game on a knife-edge for the majority, and either side could’ve come away with the three points, but unfortunately for City, it was the visitors.
September saw City in action twice against two of the promotion favourites, as Worcester were beaten at Boldmere St Michaels 3-1 and at Sixways against Peterborough United 6-2, which also saw two of our most loyal fans, Emz and Lynda, get engaged on the pitch at Sixways.
Photo by Hollychphotography
Derby Day delight
Two new signings were announced in October, as striker Maia Clark and defender Connie Matthews joined the ranks, with Head Coach Matt Jones keen to bolster his squad.
City got their first away win of the season as we beat Notts County 4-0. It was Derby Day delight for City, under the lights at Sixways, as a 1-0 win was enough to see off Kidderminster Harriers.
November started with defender Shona Baldwin reaching her 100th appearance for City as City drew 1-1 at Stourbridge, but two weeks later City were beaten 4-1 at Sixways against Sheffield.
However, in the final match of November, City came out 3-0 winners against Lincoln United. The win ensured that City ended November with thirteen points, which matched their entire points tally from the previous season.
December saw City welcome high-flying Barnsley to Sixways in their final fixture of 2025 and came away with a 1-0 win to see off a remarkable year for the club.
The result meant that Worcester went into the two-week break in sixth position in the table, accumulating sixteen points from eleven games, the highest in the club’s history.
Photo by Flora Martyr Photo
Up for the cup?
In the FA Women’s National League Cup, City were drawn in Group F alongside Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster Harriers, and Birmingham City PGA.
Worcester travelled to Kayte Lane on matchday one in August to take on Tier 3 side Cheltenham Town and put on a decent account of themselves despite the 2-0 defeat.
The first derby of the new season took place in September on matchday two, as newly promoted Kidderminster Harriers visited Sixways. City dominated the first half as Harriers couldn’t cope with City’s attack, and Worcester got their rewards in the second, coming away with a 2-0 win, as City took the spoils, taking them up to 2nd place in Group F.
City welcomed Birmingham City PGA but fell to a 2-1 defeat at Sixways on matchday three, where our captain and midfielder Jessica Fassnidge made her 100th appearance for the club.
The result meant that City still advanced to the FA National League Plate First Round, where they faced Tier 3 side Halifax at Sixways, but despite making a good account of themselves, were defeated 2-1.
Adobe Women’s FA Cup History?
Entering the competition at the Third Round Qualifying stage, goals from Laila Rich, Annie Sime and Keeley Crew secured a 3-1 victory against Stanground Cardea, sending City back to Worcester firmly into the hat for the next round.
City were drawn away to Tier 5 side, Port Vale, in the First Round Proper, and found it tough, especially when the hosts went down to ten players. Nyah Edwards' header from a Kaye Haggett corner kissed off the post. Vale equalised shortly after the break, but an inspired substitution from City boss Matt Jones saw game-changer Jasmin Springer slot the ball home in the 87th minute to see Worcester advance to the next round.
Worcester were drawn away from home once again in the Second Round Proper, facing Leafield Athletic. City were hoping to make history by reaching the Third Round Proper for the first time and took the lead in the first half through striker Maia Clark. However, a Leafield equaliser forced the tie to penalties, where heartbreak followed as Worcester were edged out 4-3 in the shootout.
Did you know that across all competitions, our three teams have scored a combined 59 goals in all competitions?
First Team - 24
Reserves – 20
U18s - 15
WCWFC in the Community.
WCWFC in the Community is led by First Team player Cerys Dolloway, announced back in August a WCWFC Sister Programme, which saw the club connect with local grassroots clubs to support and grow girls’ and women’s football throughout the Worcestershire district's communities.
https://www.wcwfc.co.uk/sister-clubs
WCWFC in the Community also joined forces with AJB Sports in Education, bringing high-quality sports programmes to schools, holiday camps, and community events all across Worcester, with a strong focus on girls' and women’s football.
Also in August, we celebrated one year of both Kick & Connect and Kick & Mix, two community initiatives designed to bring people together through fun, fitness and friendship.
https://www.wcwfc.co.uk/kick-connect
In October, WCWFC in the Community held a charity tournament in aid of Worcestershire Breast Haven Unit, with 56 community members taking part, including teams from Kick & Mix, local businesses, Worcester City Women Vets and our very own staff team. Together we raised an incredible £280 for the charity.
The first half of the season highlights the great work being done across the club, not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Thank you for all your support throughout the season so far. Up the City!!
Worcester City Women Vets
Worcester City Women Vets had their first match at the end of August, which provided some great experience for community members throughout the first half of the season.
