Castlecroft Rangers Girls

And just like that, our season appears to be complete. 26 games contested over 13 different pitches, culminating in our most successful season to date.

Today’s game saw us face off against Hawkins Harriers in a 2-1 win, with a fantastic through ball from Nela finding Ruby to convert after 2 minutes. The final goal of the season came as a perfectly marked bookend. Starting the goals flowing for the season with a penalty, Ruby ended the goals flowing for the season with a penalty.

Girl of the game went to Sofia for a fantastic, calm display throughout her time on the pitch.

A final big round of applause went to Bea as she ended her full time involvement on the pitch to the Crofters, as she focuses on adventures away from the football pitch. A true servant to the club over the years, and an absolute legend on and off the field.

A huge thank you goes to Meadow Munch Bridgnorth, Branson Automotiv and Just Little Ones Childminding for sponsoring us throughout the season.

A massive shout out goes to all of the parents, guardians, grand parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, other halves and friends who have financed, drove, and supported from the sidelines over the last 9 months - not forgetting our Lion Cubs who have missed out on lie ins on Saturday mornings to travel around Staffordshire to watch their older sisters play.

A tremendous amount of appreciation is sent the way of Terry, Max, Chris and Dani for their work as coaches over the last 11 months, including pre-season. The team wouldn’t progress as they have without the time and energy you’ve put into it. And appreciation is sent to Faye and anyone who has donned the yellow bib as Respect Marshall to keep everyone in line.

Heartfelt gratitude goes towards Laurie for the discussions, debates, advice, and patience as we’ve travelled through this journey.

And finally, a huge, massive, tremendous thank you to the players who have made this season the success it has been. The laughter, the smiles, the tears, the arguments - hell, even the injuries - have all been part of your journey have been worth it. At least, in the humble opinion of this manager.

Thank you, enjoy your break, and I’ll see you all for 2026/27.

Let’s go Crofters! 💪

Today we hit the road to visit Hawkins Sports Harriers for what may be our final game this season 💪

Today we hit the road for part 2 of our back to back fixtures with Brereton, in our penultimate game of the season 💪

Tonight we complete our midweek run of fixtures as well as our home games for the season, as we welcome Brereton Social Devils to WV Active Aldersley.

Come along, get a grassroots fix and support the Lionesses at home for the last time this season 💪

Tonight we meet Albrighton Girls at WV Active Aldersley in our penultimate home game of the season!

Come down, get a grassroots fix, and support the Lionesses 💪

Tonight we make the shortest of journeys to visit Bilbrook in our second midweek fixture 💪

Castlecroft Rangers Lionesses - 1
Burntwood Phoenix Diamonds - 3

Defeat in our final game of the season at Elliotts Lane

With a busy schedule, and an absent top assisting Captain and top scoring Vice Captain, the Crofters took to the field against a flying Burntwood Diamonds with determination very much the aim of the day.

Half chances and breaks fell to the Lionesses, but a strong defensive line kept the scoreline 0-0, while the Crofters Army were in full voice almost trying to will the ball into the net.

On 16 minutes a break from Burntwood saw the Lionesses fall behind, and 7 minutes later, a narrowly converted penalty saw the scoreline double in favour of the visitors.

With the second half underway, a resilient Crofters defence worked hard to keep the score down, and on the 62nd minute a spark of hope came for the hosts.

Some great work from Lilly saw the ball played forward, and with a knock on from Ella, Kiki’s burst from midfield saw her latch onto the ball, and cover half the pitch in a flash. The calmest of finishes saw the score go 2-1, with a draw on the cards.

Unfortunately, injuries began to plague the Lionesses defenders. Willow’s return from injury on Monday, a dead leg to Jas, an awkward landing for Nela and a worrying challenge on stand in captain Keira caused almost rolling substitutions to a stand out back line, with Lilly stepping in to every position to keep the defence whole.

With the final moments of the game approaching, Burntwood’s passes into the channels paid off, and the scoreline became 3-1.

Shout outs came in their droves, with Keira and Nela stepping up to be captain and vice captain, Lilly covering every defensive position with aplomb, Bella playing her first full game since returning from injury, and Sofia for playing in a completely new position with a relentless approach.

Girl of the Game went to a dominant performance from Kiki. With boundless energy and determination, she attempted to cover every blade of grass as requested, and got her goal as a reward.

We go again on Tuesday 💪

Today we welcome Burntwood Phoenix Diamonds to Elliotts Lane!

With our remaining home fixtures being midweek, this is the last time we’ll play at Elliotts Lane this season, so come on down, get your grassroots fix and support the Lionesses 💪