Featherstone Rovers Ladies FC

FEV ROVERS LADIES MATCH REPORT 💙⚽🤍

Our final game of the season saw us fall to a 4-0 defeat against Shadwell. It wasn't our best performance and, if we're honest, we didn't play the football we know we're capable of. Unfortunately, that showed in the result.
But one game does not define this team.

Today's performance doesn't reflect who we are, but our season absolutely does. More on that shortly...

Players' Player 🏆
Went to Becky Wark, who put in a tremendous shift playing both Central Defence and Central Midfield. Becky seemed to be everywhere today, covering every blade of grass with her work rate, determination and commitment shining through from start to finish.

Ref's Player 🏆
Awarded to Laura Stephens-Murray. Starting with a spell in midfield before moving back into her natural Centre Back role in the second half, Laura showed exactly why she's such an important part of this team. She put her body on the line with some crucial tackles and clearances when we needed them most.

Coach's Player 🏆
Went to Tonisha Shirafkan. Week after week, Tonisha continues to improve and develop her game. The hard work she's been putting in at training is translating onto the pitch, and today's performance was another example of the progress she's making. A deserved award for a player who is always willing to learn and work hard.

Turd of the Turf 💩😂
This week's winner was Jess Neale, who had what can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster before kick-off.
First, she cried because she'd forgotten her playing shirt. Then she cried again because the emergency replacement shirt kindly provided by Ellie was apparently so tight she couldn't breathe. Thankfully, disaster was eventually averted when Cara, who had turned up fully kitted out despite being unable to play due to having a little FAF baby currently baking away in the oven, came to the rescue and lent Jess her shirt.
The tears stopped, the breathing resumed, and Jess was able to take to the pitch. A true story of triumph over adversity. Netflix documentary pending. 😂

And now for the season...
Wow.

Coach Lucy couldn't be prouder of this squad.
Last season we finished bottom of the table. This season we have finished 7th out of 14 teams, and what a journey it has been.
We've produced some incredible performances, picked up some fantastic results and beaten some of the league's biggest teams along the way. The improvement shown by every single player has been phenomenal.

But this team has always been about more than football.

At Fev Rovers Ladies, we pride ourselves on Friendship, Fun and Football — in that order.
We are a family.

Week in, week out these women have each other's backs both on and off the pitch. We laugh together, we cry together, we celebrate together and we support each other through everything life throws at us. That bond is what makes this team special and it's what shows every Sunday when we pull on the blue and white shirt.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from our friends and family, who continue to cheer us on through every high and low. Thank you for being there every step of the way.

What a season. What a team.

Now we have plenty to look forward to: our weekend away together (which will almost certainly be absolute carnage), our presentation evening where we'll celebrate every player for the amazing individual they are, and then before we know it, pre-season will be here and we'll be putting the work in all over again for next season.

There is honestly no place any of us would rather be on a Sunday.

A massive shout out to Rovers Return for our sponsorship this season and, the fun we've had with you.

Thank you to Sharon's Market kitchen and kirsopp builders LTD, who will be coming into next season with us.

Lastly, a big thank you to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone, for taking us in and feeding us every week when, we have legs like jelly and we just need a pint 🍺

💙⚽🤍

We're sad to be saying this..........last game of the season.

The Fev lasses take on Shadwell today in what rounds up the most amazing season.

This is a time to reflect on what an amazing season we've had. From finishing last in our previous season, to now being in the middle of the league table. This shows pure passion from our amazing team of ladies, both on and off the pitch. Teamwork is the ethos of this team. Whether we are on the pitch playing, or cheering each other on 💪

A personal shout out goes to our amazing Coach, Lucy. You will never meet a more resilient, patient and caring person, the absolute perfection of Featherstone Rovers Ladies.

And also to our Captain, Lindsay. The backbone of the team, the one that keeps us going, the one that keeps us in line. But mostly, a born leader.

So let's get those kits on girls, let's give it our best and let's leave that pitch smiling 💙🤍

A massive thank you to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone, for looking after us after our games with food and smiles and an amazing atmosphere after a hard slog 💪

4pm kick-off at Fleet Lane.

Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and kirsopp builders LTD.

The girls are getting geared up for Rothwell Gala this afternoon, a nice change to the norm. All we need now is that sun to stay out 🌞

C'mon lasses 💪 we've got this. Especially with mama Laura's picnic!



Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and Kirsopp Builders LTD

Then back to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone for a wet 🍺

☀️ MATCH REPORT ☀️
Featherstone Rovers Ladies 1 - 3 Monk Fryston Ladies📍 Fleet Lane⏰4pm KO

In absolutely blistering conditions today, both teams put in a tremendous shift in what was another competitive game between two sides who always play in great spirits ⚽️💙🤍.

The first half ended 0-0, with Fev playing some lovely football and controlling large spells of the game, but despite our efforts we just couldn’t quite find a way through a stubborn Monk Fryston defence. Striker Katie Birkenhead came close but the opposition keeper made an outstanding save.

The heat certainly didn’t ease up in the second half, but both teams dug deep again. Monk Fryston eventually broke the deadlock with an absolute corker from long range that left the Fev keeper with no chance — honestly, even Hannah Hampton would’ve struggled to keep that one out! Their confidence grew after that and another cracking long-range effort soon made it 2-0.

But this Fev side never gives in 💪Captain Lindsay Bradshaw caused chaos with a trademark long throw into the box which somehow found its way over the line after a scramble. We’ll let the skipper add that one to her tally ⚽️😂.

At 2-1 it was game on! Midfielder Shell Harris came agonisingly close to levelling things up, first heading narrowly wide from a corner before rattling the bar with a fantastic strike.
Sadly, with only minutes remaining, a dangerous ball into the box took an unfortunate touch off defender Laura Stephens-Murray and diverted past our own keeper to make it 3-1 to Monk Fryston.

Not the result we wanted, but every single player worked tirelessly in the intense heat and can be proud of the effort put in today 👏.

Massive credit to Monk Fryston — two unbelievable goals and still the team we just can’t seem to beat! We already look forward to facing you again next season in what is always a game played in the right spirit regardless of the result 🤝⚽️.

🏆 PLAYER AWARDS 🏆

⭐ Players’ Player – Jade Spencer: Our very own Princess Jade 👑 Solid at right back all game and made TWO crucial goal-saving stops in the first half!

⭐ Ref’s Player of the Match – Laura Stephens-Murray; Outstanding defensively throughout (own goal aside 😂) and drove the team forward every chance she got.

⭐ Coaches’ Player of the Match – Becky Wark: An absolute rock at centre back. Always in the right place at the right time, fantastic distribution and somehow managed to cover every blade of artificial grass!

💩 Turd of the Turf 💩 Laura Stephens-Murray 😂 Awarded for the unfortunate own goal… and the world-class sulking performance afterwards. If we had a tiny violin, she’d have received that too 🎻🤣. She wouldn’t even smile for the award photo post game - evidence below!

We dust ourselves off and go again next weekend at the gala in Rothwell before finishing our league campaign against Shadwell on 7th June.
What a season this has been already 💙⚽️🤍




Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and kirsopp builders LTD.

Then fed and watered The Travellers Rest, Featherstone, in the hot sun with the band playing 🎶

After a weeks rest, the ladies are back on the pitch at Fleet Lane, in a 4pm KO against Monk Fryston.

The sun won't be the only thing shining on Sunday. Let's have this girls 💪 not many games left, let's make it count!



Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and Kirsopp builders LTD.

Then back to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone for a well earned beer!

⚽️ FULL TIME ⚽️
Featherstone Rovers Ladies 0️⃣ - 0️⃣ Garforth

A huge point earned today at Fleet Lane as Fev battled hard against 3rd place Garforth in a fiercely contested end-to-end game! With two 25-minute halves played in tough fashion, both sides created chances, but neither could find the breakthrough in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

The result means Fev hold onto 5th spot in the league table with just TWO games left to play in what is arguably our best season yet! 💙⚽️🤍

Every single player in blue and white gave absolutely everything today. From first whistle to last, the effort, determination and teamwork on show was outstanding. This was a proper squad performance, with everyone digging deep to bring home a well-earned point! 👏

🏆 Players Player of the Match – Claire O’Keefe
An outstanding performance from our keeper today! Claire pulled off a string of brilliant saves to keep Garforth out and commanded the game superbly from the back. Her communication and confidence gave the team a real platform to build from, and when called upon she delivered time and time again. A massive performance between the sticks! 🧤

🏆 Coaches Player of the Match – Lindsay Bradshaw
A captain’s performance from Lindsay today. Her work rate in midfield was phenomenal, covering every blade of fake grass in both attack and defence. She battled tirelessly throughout and even produced a huge goal-line clearance to help preserve the clean sheet. Leadership, determination and commitment from start to finish 👏

🤣 Turd of the Turf – Shell Harris
This week’s award absolutely had to go to Shell! First, an accidental elbow to the nose left her floored… only for her to bravely get back up and immediately take a ball straight to the face in the very next passage of play 😭 Coach Lucy then delivered some “elite level” first aid by stuffing tissues up Shell’s nostrils, and somehow the game carried on! Proper warrior behaviour from Shell today 😂👏

Overall, a brilliant team display full of grit, determination and heart 💙🤍
Only TWO games left to go…

Next up: Monk Fryston – 24th May
💙⚽🤍

Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and Kirsopp Builders LTD

After game care The Travellers Rest, Featherstone. Feeding and watering us after a slog of a game

Featherstone Rovers Ladies produced a superb performance at Aspire with a 3pm kick-off, taking down league high-flyers Edenthorpe 3–1 in a result that sees Fev climb to 5th in the table.

From the first whistle, Fev looked sharp and composed. The team settled immediately, holding their shape brilliantly and communicating with real confidence. It was clear that the hard work on the training ground had paid off, as they moved the ball with purpose and intent.

The opening goal was a perfect example of that cohesion—“triangle city” in full flow. Central midfielder Lindsay Bradshaw started the move, feeding winger Ellie Garside, who returned it neatly before Bradshaw threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to striker Katie Birkenhead. With composure, Katie slotted home to make it 1–0.

Fev didn’t let up. Their dominance in both attack and defence continued, and it wasn’t long before they doubled the lead. Ellie Garside was again involved, finding Katie Birkenhead in space, and the striker made no mistake in firing home her second of the afternoon.

The third goal brought a moment of magic from the back. Defender Jade Spencer channelled her inner Lucy Bronze with a driving run forward, slicing through the opposition before delivering a pinpoint ball into Katie Birkenhead, who coolly completed her first-half hat-trick ⚽️⚽️⚽️ to give Fev a commanding 3–0 lead at the break.

Edenthorpe came out fighting in the second half and managed to pull one back after a long-range effort somehow found its way through the Fev goalkeeper in what can only be described as a “blink and you’ll still see it” slow-motion moment. Despite this, Fev remained resilient, continuing to battle hard and play some excellent football to see out the game and secure all three points.

Every single player gave absolutely everything, showing determination, teamwork, and quality throughout.

Awards:
Turd of the Turf 🏆 (with love!) Claire O’Keefe takes this one after being caught having a brief mid-match nap as Edenthorpe launched what can only be described as a hopeful punt at goal… which somehow trickled through arms, legs, and possibly another dimension. The team’s instant reaction said it all—award secured before the ball even crossed the line.

Players’ Player of the Match 👏 Shared between captain Lindsay Bradshaw and central defender Becky Wark. Lindsay led by example, putting in an incredible shift both going forward and tracking back—her work rate was relentless, and she was at the heart of everything. Becky Wark was rock solid at the back, reading the game superbly, making crucial tackles, and keeping the defence organised throughout.

Coaches & Ref’s Player of the Game ⭐ Hat-trick hero Katie Birkenhead takes the honours after a clinical display in front of goal. Her movement, composure, and finishing were top class, proving a constant threat to the Edenthorpe defence all game.

Fev now head into a well-earned week off before returning to action against Garforth on 10th May.

💙⚽️🤍

Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market Kitchen and Kirsopp Builders LTD

Then back to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone to be fed and watered

💥💥TOMORROWS GAME💥💥

Toughie tomorrow against Edenthorpe Ladies. Change of scenery as were kicking off at 3pm at Aspire, Pontefract.

Will it just be the sun that's hot or will there be flags cracking on that pitch?? Let's find out 💪



Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market Kitchen and Kirsopp builders LTD.

Then back to The Travellers Rest, Featherstone for a pint, a bite and the Leeds game

Full Time | Featherstone Ladies 0–4 Oulton Ladies
KO: 4pm | Fleet Lane 💙🤍⚽️

Today we came up against an outstanding Oulton side who played some brilliant football from start to finish. It was 2–0 at half time, and despite our efforts to regroup and dig in, Oulton added two more in the second half to take the win. Every one of their four goals was top quality – truly unstoppable strikes – so credit where it’s due. Without a doubt, they’re the best footballing side we’ve faced all season.

But what can’t be questioned is the heart of this Featherstone team. Not one player gave up, and right until the final whistle, every single one of you wore that Fev shirt with pride. If we could bottle this team spirit, we’d all be millionaires – it’s absolutely priceless 💙🤍

Special mentions today:

⭐ Players’ Player: Laura Stephens-Murray
A rock at the heart of the defence. Laura read the game brilliantly, put in countless crucial tackles, and never stopped organising and encouraging those around her. Her Fitbit was out of control by the end of the game !

⭐ Coaches’ Players of the Game (shared):
Jade Spencer – Solid and composed at right back, Jade worked tirelessly up and down the flank, putting in strong challenges and showing great awareness throughout.
Kerrie Howarth – A determined display at left back, throwing herself into everything… including one unforgettable header delivered as stiff as a toy soldier 😂 commitment at its finest!

💩 Turd of the Turf: Becky Wark
Our keeper pulled off a save between her legs that defied all logic… and in the process got an unexpected whole lot of “Franny” thrown at her! (No assumptions here folks the Oulton players called Fran 😅). Top entertainment and a great stop to go with it!

Plenty to take from today. We move on together, stronger as a team, and continue what has already been a fantastic season – a 100% improvement on where we were this time last year. Coach Lucy couldn’t be prouder of this group 💙

Next up: Edenthorpe – we go again! 👊⚽️ xx

UptheFAF💙⚽️🤍

Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market Kitchen and Kirsopp Builders LTD

Then amazing aftercare The Travellers Rest, Featherstone

💥💥 GAME ON 💥💥

Tomorrow's game: Oulton vs Featherstone Rovers Ladies.

4pm KO at West Riding FA.
Its going to be a tough one but the team have got this 💪

Show em' what you've got girls!



Sponsored by Rovers Return, Sharon's Market kitchen and Kirsopp Builders LTD

Then the best aftercare The Travellers Rest, Featherstone