Forest Women crowned league champions

Forest Women faced Stoke City Women at Halbrooke Stadium in their title decider where a win for The Reds would all but confirm the title and Forest’s place in the WNL play-off final.

Andy Cook made one change to the side that won the League Cup last weekend as Arryana Daniels returned to the starting eleven for Yasmin Mosby.

Only 5 minutes after kickoff there was a lengthy break in play as Stoke were forced into an early change with their ‘keeper unable to continue following a collision with Charlotte Greengrass.

In the 11th minute Reds’ captain Lyndsey Harkin found Greengrass in the box; the striker headed wide of the goal.

A minute later and the hosts had their best chance of the game when Amy West fired over from close range.

Forest had the opening goal and lead in the 25th minute as Becky Anderson’s initial strike hit the post before the midfielder slotted home the rebound.

The Reds almost had their second of the afternoon when Greengrass headed just wide of the far post on 30 minutes.

Anderson and Mai Moncaster both had their efforts blocked in the 15 minutes before the break as the hosts entered half-time with a lead.

Half-time: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Stoke City

5 minutes into the second half and The Reds almost doubled their lead as multiple efforts were saved and blocked by the Stoke defence.

Hayley James whipped in a dangerous low cross on 64 minutes; no-one in red could reach the onrushing ball.

Andy Cook looked to freshen things up in the 72nd minute when he made five changes. Greengrass, Moncaster, Steggles, West and Daniels made way with Mitchell, Mosby, Powell, Reynolds and Hewitt being introduced into the action.

Subsitiute Gianna Mitchell wasted no time in making an impact when she doubled Forest’s lead in the 84th minute when the striker headed home. With one minute remaining of regular time substitute Yasmin Mosby slotted home The Reds’ third of the afternoon to secure the three points and the league title.

Full-time: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Stoke City

Forest Women win the FA Women’s National League

Northern Premier Division for this first time since 2007/08 following a 3-0 win at Halbrooke Stadium with over 1,700 in attendance.

The Reds have now qualified for the FA WNL play-off final at Stadium MK where they will face the winners of the FA WNL Southern Premier Division on Saturday 20th May to the chance a promotion to the Championship.