Curzon Women end their season on a high

Curzon Ashton Women ended their 2024/25 season in style on Sunday with a cup final victory against Fleetwood Town Ladies. 

The Nashettes picked up the Alliance Design & Print Plate after a 3-2 win over their Lancashire based opposition. 

Curzon took the lead on 25 minutes after Faye McCoy headed in Lauren Beckford’s corner, before Fleetwood hit back just before half-time to draw level. 

The Nashettes regained their lead just after the break as another Beckford delivery was turned in, this time by Jess Cooke. 

The Wrens then restored parity once again through Kaya Pottinger whose shot evaded bodies and found the bottom corner. 

Curzon then found themselves back in front just three minutes after the equaliser with goal scorer McCoy turning provider, laying off for Danielle Young to slot home and put her side’s name on the trophy. 

Following the cup final win, Curzon Ashton Women head coach Danielle Young told the Reporter: 

“It was a great feeling, a great day, and a very proud moment for me personally having won my first piece of silverware since stepping into coaching three seasons ago. 

“We knew as soon as we entered the competition, we wanted to reach the final, and we’ve gone beyond that, so I’m really pleased.  

“I think the key take away from Sunday was our ability to adapt, we had to find a way to win. 

“In my opinion the pitch wasn’t cup final standard and it for sure suited Fleetwood more than it suited us.  

“It was a test of character, desire, togetherness and mentality, and it really proved how far we’ve come this season as a group because it took every single person on the day, and that taste of success will hopefully spur everyone on for next season.” 

The triumph caps off a successful season for the Nashettes, who finished 4th in the North West Womens Regional League Premier Division. 

Speaking on the campaign as a whole, Danielle was full of praise for her squad: 

“I’m so proud of the players, I always am because I know the sacrifices they make for football. 

“It’s been painful and frustrating at times, yet we’ve done really well with what we’ve been handed, but ultimately, the challenge of winning the league was too great for us this season.  

“Our mentality should be, and is, to compete at the top of the table, not dropping outside the top 4 all season proves that. 

“We’ve drawn too many games, and we need to be more consistent with our performances, we know that as a group and I know that certainly.  

“But this season has provided us with plenty of moments of growth and many moments of joy and Sunday’s cup win topped it off beautifully. 

“For now, it’s all about planning for next season. 

“As players it’s time to make sure they’re feeling fit and fresh for pre-season, and for the club it’s about assessing the women’s structure, their goals and where there may be room for improvements. 

“It’s our job as staff to plan and be really proactive in our approach for next season, to ensure this season’s successes are built on.”