Nantwich Town Women have made an impressive start to preparations for their first-ever season in Tier Five football by lifting the Leek Charity Shield.
The Dabbers claimed the first silverware of the 2026-27 campaign with a 5-2 victory over Port Vale Women in the final at the F. Ball Community Stadium, Leek.
Having edged past hosts Leek Town on penalties in the previous round, Dan Mellor’s side booked their place in the final producing an impressive comeback performance.
Despite trailing 2-1 in the first half, Nantwich responded in style after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a convincing victory and continue their unbeaten start to pre-season.
Poppy Emery starred with a superb hat-trick, while Amanda Fallon and Meg Ragdale were also on the scoresheet as the Dabbers lifted the Charity Shield.
Women’s first-team manager Dan Mellor praised his players after another encouraging display.
He said: “The start to pre-season has gone well so far, we’ve tried to start building relationships and combinations with players and that came out today.
“These two games have given us a really good foundation to build from now and whilst there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure we’re ready for the start of the season I think our performances both last week and today stand us in good stead.
“We’ve worked to bed in the players that have joined us and equally the girls that were already part of the group have really stepped up so it’s exciting to see it start to come together but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, we know there’s a lot still to do.
“Finally, I’d like to thank both Leek Town and Port Vale for two very competitive games and wish them all the best for the season ahead.”
The tournament success provides another confidence boost as Nantwich Town prepare for life in the North West Women’s Regional League Premier Division following back-to-back promotions.
The Dabbers secured promotion last season after winning the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South title, having also been crowned Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League Premier Division champions the previous year.
Supporters can back the team with 2026-27 season tickets now on sale via https://nantwichtownfc.ktckts.com/
Adult season tickets are £50, while concessions and under-16s cost £30.
The ticket covers admission to all 11 home league fixtures and also includes the pre-season friendlies against Warrington Town on 19th July and Lichfield City on 9th August.
Fans can also keep up to date with the latest news and fixtures through the team’s official Facebook page.
(Words by Jonathan White, photos by Peter Robinson)
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