IT WAS a momentous weekend for Leamington’s ladies section after the first team capped off a fine season by winning promotion and the veterans side progressed to the semi-final of the National Investec Trophy.
The celebrations started on Saturday after the first team secured promotion to the Midlands Premier Division with three games to spare.
Leamington went into the game knowing a win would be enough for promotion and they did just that by celebrating a 4-1 victory over North Staffs .
The table-toppers took the lead through top scorer and England international Kerry Luckett but the hosts got back on level terms by half-time.
The promotion chasers kept plugging away in the second half and, with ten minutes to go, finally made the breakthrough when Sarah Evans hooked home a fantastic pass from Luckett.
That goal relaxed Leamington and two more strikes from Luckett before the final whistle sealed promotion with a flourish.
And the veterans showed that they can still produce the goods too by making history after making it through to the final four of the National Investec Trophy.
Two goals from captain Sarah Gambling capped off a fine team performance in Sunday’s quarter final at home to Wilmslow and the reward for Leamington is a trip to Jersey on March 13.
Backed by plenty of home supporters, Leamington started full of confidence and did not take long to open the scoring when captain Gambling deflected Sarah Lucas’ shot into the net.
The hosts kept the pressure cranked up and doubled their lead in the 22nd minute again through Gambling, who this time was on hand to finish after a mazy run from Jeanette Lloyd.
Despite pressure from their visitors, Leamington resolutely and held on for the win and they will now travel to Jersey for a chance to book a place in the final.
While a trip to the channel islands is incredibly exciting for the team, travel to and from the game could prove expensive so the club is keen to find any local businesses willing to sponsor the masters for their first ever visit to a national semi-final.
The club is aiming to raise £500 to help cover the squad’s travel costs and allow them to focus on one of the biggest games in Leamington’s history.
“The team put in a fantastic performance on Sunday to book a place in the semi finals and the thought of being one win away from the final is really exciting.
“We’ve funded all of the travel costs for our cup run so far on our own and will still be heading to Jersey regardless, but if any local businesses were able to help with the costs of our trip to the channel islands we would be incredibly grateful.”
Elsewhere in the ladies’ section, the second team secured a 2-1 win at Coventry and North Warwickshire with goals from Rachael Graham and Jeanette Lloyd, but both the third and fourth team suffered comprehensive defeats – losing 5-1 at Stratford and 4-1 at Edgbaston respectively.
In the men’s section, Leamington’s first team romped to victory at Barlaston with a brace from Jared Fox, and strikes from Adam Carter, Dan Jones, Louis Loach, Chris Meeson and Nick Solman securing a 7-0 win.
Any businesses who would like to sponsor team should email [email protected].
