Mid-Season Review: Worcester City Women FC
As we head into the New Year and get well underway with the second half of the season, here is a summary of how all three of our teams have got on so far, hearing from each manager as they reflect on their respective campaigns.
First Team
The First Team have experienced an eventful debut season so far in Tier 4 of the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands. Despite the challenges, they’ve shown a remarkable amount of togetherness throughout it all, finishing 2024 outside the relegation zone and with strong, resilient performances against top sides.
In the league, the First Team have climbed an expected uphill battle but have worked hard to build momentum in this season’s campaign. After starting the season off with a tough run of fixtures, the team celebrated their first league win against Solihull Moors, courtesy of Olivia Mitcham’s decisive goal and an impressive defensive display from the whole squad which gave the City fans a memorable away win.
In cup action, the First Team achieved a standout victory against Tier 3 side, Cheltenham Town, in the Determining Round of the FA WNL League Cup, before exiting the competition in the next round against Peterborough United earlier on in the first half of the season. The team’s focus was now able to shift back onto the league and the beginning of their Adobe Women’s FA Cup journey.
In a gritty and determined match at Sixways, against local rivals Redditch Borough in the FA Cup, City came away with a 2-0 win to take them through to face a well-established Tier 5 side, Stamford AFC. A win on the road against the Daniels propelled them to face Tier 3 side, West Bromwich Albion where this season’s FA Cup campaign ended in the Second Round Proper.
In between FA Cup fixtures, City were hit with a 5-2 defeat at Sixways against Barnsley but knew they had to turn things around for a critical match against Lincoln City who were yet to get points on the board. Following a fantastic and cohesive 4-0 win against Lincoln City, the full focus was now building the momentum before the Christmas break as they faced league giants again.
Recent league performances underline the team’s progress, including narrow 1-0 losses to high-flyers Peterborough and Northampton, a marked improvement from earlier in the season. As they head into the New Year, the team is poised to build on their momentum further and continue to take points from the board.
First Team Manager, Matthew Jones, in his first season with the club, reflected on his side’s journey in Tier 4 so far:
“The first half of the club’s debut season in the National League has provided great learning for both players and staff. Results have shown that we have begun to adjust to life at Tier 4, with us putting points on the board and climbing steadily up the table. However, as we hover just above the relegation zone, I acknowledge the challenge ahead in the second half of the season, one that we are strengthening to be ready for.
As a squad, we have had to be tactically flexible in our approach to ensure that we have been competitive against the more established clubs in the league, as was seen just recently with our resilient performances against two of the title contenders pre-Christmas.
The pathway at WCWFC continues to get stronger with great synergy between the U18s and Reserves that feed into the First Squad, the opportunities for young players and emerging talent will always be a priority.
Finally, thank you to our supporters (the 12th player, as I call them). Their voices are always heard on game day and appreciated by all at the club, with those youngsters filling ‘autograph ally’ the heartbeat - keep spreading the word #RISE.”
Reserves
As we reach the halfway point of the season, WCWFC Reserves are showing great potential and resilience. They are currently 1st in the West Midlands Regional Women's Football League Division 1 South, with 7 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. A total of 56 goals scored and only 23 conceded, demonstrating the team’s balanced approach to both attack and defend.
While the season began with a challenging run of form – three losses in the first four games – the Reserves have shown remarkable resilience to turn things around. A pivotal moment came in their 3-1 victory against the Crusaders, a tough opposition who previously challenged the First Team in Tier 5. The Reserves entered the game as underdogs, but an outstanding performance from defence to attack, showcased the team’s ability to compete at this level and marked a turning point in their season.
This turnaround is a testament to the team’s determination to succeed which is reflected by the impressive individual performances this season. Ellie Roberts, an U18s player who has stepped up in the Reserves team, has excelled as the Reserves joint-top goal scorer along with Holly Rogers and Lauren Smith, scoring 9 goals in 8 games. Rebecca Wood has thrived in goal, stepping into the starting position after an injury to the team’s regular keeper. Additionally, Nerea Othick, earned her first start and full 90 minutes with the First Team, playing in the FA Women’s National League (Tier 4), seizing the opportunity and showing great potential.
Heading into the Christmas break with an unbeaten run of seven games, the team’s progress has been significant, and they are in an excellent position to continue their momentum into the new year. After the break, the team will look to challenge within the league and there is also an opportunity for success in the League Cup, despite their tough draw against Redditch Borough. With plenty still to play for, the Reserves will look to finish the season on a high.
Manager, Katie Heath, shared her thoughts on the season so far:
“I am incredibly proud of the progression we’ve seen as a team this season. The players have fully embraced the rebuild we undertook at the start of the season. Despite a challenging start, the players have persevered and continued to put in the work and supported each other every step of the way, and we are now seeing the rewards. Now, we’re heading into the Christmas period seven games unbeaten which is a great position to be in, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve after the Christmas break and am looking forward to building on our success so far!”
U18s
The WCWFC U18s have had an outstanding start to the season showcasing their talent and determination. Currently sitting at 2nd in the Central Warwickshire Girls Football League Division 1, the team has recorded 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, scoring 38 goals and conceding just 9.
We are delighted to have welcomed six new players this season – Leah, May, Ava, Lily (Jacko), Rosie P and Rosie R - who have settled in brilliantly and have already made a positive impact both on and off the pitch.
U18s Manager, Emma Collins, highlighted two standout games this season. The 3-0 victory away against Coundon Court, “a really tough game with an outstanding second half performance” which secured the win. Another highlight was the team’s impressive response in the 2-2 draw against Lye Town (H). Following a tough defeat the previous week, the U18s showcased resilience and determination, taking an early 2-0 lead and coming agonisingly close to victory when a late attempt hit the post. It was a strong performance from the team, showing strong character and effort which they should be proud of.
The team is also embracing the club’s player pathway to the Reserves, with several players regularly training with the Reserves team. Notably, four U18s players – Ellie, Mia, Kiera and Becca - are now featuring regularly for the Reserves team, gaining invaluable experience in addition to their U18s commitments.
As the season continues in the new year, the U18s are ready to continue their impressive form and compete to win the league. Be sure to show your support at their next game on the 4th of January away at Bournville. You can also follow along with their progress on the new U18s social account, launching in the new year!
Manager, Emma Collins thoughts on the season so far:
“I am beyond proud of how we have started this season. The development of these young people in such a short space of time has been remarkable. This is shown in how our players are progressing up the pathway and challenging for places in the Reserves squad. The players we have added to our squad have added to an already strong and promising squad to help us challenge for the title. We will keep focusing on each week as it comes as we know our league can be unpredictable. If our players give their 9s and 10s, BELIEVE and work hard – we will absolutely get what we deserve!”
A massive thank you to our supporters for this half of the season, truly our 12th person when we need you the most. Your attendances for all three teams has been outstanding and we look forward to having your support for the rest of the season!