A look back at the 2024/25 season for the Posh Women as they finished third in the FAWNL Division One Midlands.
Peterborough United Women had a record-breaking campaign in the 2024/25 season, including a top three finish in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands and reaching their highest ever points tally.
Top Three League Finish And Home Performances
Posh improved on last season’s points tally (47), equalling the tally with a 1-0 win away at Lincoln United in March. They surpassed the total with a 1-0 victory at home to Leafield Athletic and a 1-1 draw with Northampton Town on the final day of the season, finishing the season on 51 points.
Jake Poole’s side were unbeaten in 14 of their 15 home matches this season; including a 1-1 draw against Loughborough Lightning and a penalty shoot-out win in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup against Billericay Town.
Posh averaged a home attendance of 206; primarily hosting games at Abbey Lawn whilst also playing at Deeping Rangers FC, Yaxley FC and Peterborough Sports. Poole commented on the support given this season: “The support we receive at Abbey Lawn is special, and those who followed us away from home have been enormous help to the team this season. The club has a special relationship with its fans and it’s something we are incredibly proud of.”
Cup Journeys
Posh Women endured several tough draws in the FAWNL League Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup this season. Jake Poole’s side reached the second round of the FAWNL League Cup for the first time where they bowed out to now FAWNL Northern Premier Division champions Nottingham Forest.
In the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, Posh also exited at the second round stage having faced several higher opposition opponents. Arguably one of the highlights of the season, Posh beat FAWNL Southern Premier Division side Billericay Town 4-2 on penalties with Neive Corry making a crucial save before Hannah Dawbarn netted the decisive spot-kick.
The tough draws continued for Posh as they faced FAWNL Northern Premier Division side Rugby Borough, bowing out 7-1 with Ella Bale netting a late consolation goal.
Poole reviewed the side’s cup journeys: “The cup runs were a real positive this season with some strong performances against higher ranked teams in both the League Cup and FA Cup. Testing ourselves against teams like Nottingham Forest and Rugby Borough were great experiences, and our victory against Billericay was a real highlight of the season. It showed we could compete against tier three opposition.”
Squad Progression
The conveyer belt from the academy continued to develop players for the First Team with four players impressing manager Jake Poole. Defender Edyn Osker and forward Ella Bale featured heavily for the First Team this season with 27 and 25 matches respectively. Midfielder Rebecca Mears and defender Jess Abrantes have also tasted senior football this season with seven and five appearances.
Poole is pleased with the young players performances this season: ”All four in their own rights have fitted in really well with the First Team and shown they are players that can compete at this level. I think all four could have played every game for others teams in this league which shows the challenge they’ve faced in a competitive squad is a big compliment to them that they’ve been able to break in.
“They’ve all been valuable to the team at different times and I’m sure they’ve gained vital experience in doing so. Edyn and Ella have played important parts in important matches for us this season. Rebecca has played most of the season for the Under 23s but she’s trained with us and done well. Jess and even Emily who joined us at 16 have been in and around the squad this season.”
Individual Success Stories
Whilst the campaign was successful for the squad as a whole, several players hit milestones during the season.
Top goalscorer for the season was Tara Kirk with 13 goals in 23 appearances, closely followed behind by Keir Perkins and Renai Bennett with 12 and 11 goals.
Defender Niamh Connor celebrated making 100 appearances for the club back in October whilst captain Keir Perkins reached the 200 milestone in November. Meg Lawlor celebrated her 150th appearance for Posh in December.
Goalkeeper Neive Corry played every minute of the campaign and secured 11 clean sheets this season. Overall, it’s been a successful season for Posh Women with progression continuing on and off the pitch. Jake Poole looks ahead to next season: “Whilst we didn’t quite achieve our ultimate goals this season, we feel we have made tangible progress which sets us up nicely to go one step further next season.”