Three months on from their double-winning 2024/25 season, the new campaign is finally here and on Sunday the Hatters host Dulwich Hamlet at Barton Rovers’ Sharpenhoe Road.
Eleven new faces
The Hatters have seen 11 new arrivals over the summer. Real Bedford trio Amy McLean, Taylor O’Leary and Emily Wilson all made the move across Bedfordshire, having lifted the Women’s National League Division One South East with the Pirates last season.
Defender Sasha Smith and midfielder Kiyana Fryer put pen to paper with the Town, having left fellow tier-four side Chesham United.
Full-back Lisa Milliken, who was a key part of Northampton Town’s County Cup triumph last season also signed on for the new campaign.
Forward Summer Gayle joins from Ashford Town, who the Hatters defeated 7-1 in one of their pre-season tests.
Ellie Sargeant made her return to the squad while the Hatters also obtained the signature of Ex-West Ham and Wimbledon midfielder Jánaye Beaufort.
Queens Park Rangers duo, Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Nicole Melling, both made the switch from West London.
The opposition
Dulwich Hamlet finished eighth place in the Women’s National League Division One South East table last campaign, winning eight, drawing five and losing nine.
The Hamlet won three of their 11 away games in the league last season, scoring 12 and conceding 17 on the road.
Dulwich kicked off their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat at home to London City Lionesses’ academy side. Their second fixture resulted in a 3-0 loss to Leyton Orient, with their third match being a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hashtag United. Dulwich then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Stevenage Women in their fourth game. Their pre-season concluded in a heavy 7-0 defeat to Lewes FC.
Pre-season preparations
The Hatters’ preparations began with a 4-0 win over Colney Heath at Stockwood Park Academy.
A hefty 7-0 defeat to a strong tier-three Rugby Borough side followed, the Town held their own in the first half, before some top quality strikes from the Borough ultimately tipped the game in their favour.
The Town then bounced back with a 7-1 victory over Ashford Town, with Courtnay Ward-Chambers netting a hat-trick before the penultimate test was a 2-1 loss to tier-four Maidenhead United at The Brache.
The preparations concluded with a 4-2 victory away against Oxford City Women, with the Town coming back having found themselves 1-0 down just before the half-time break.
Big backing at Barton needed
The Hatters need your support as they kick off their campaign and their first back in the fourth-tier of women’s football since 2019.
Kick-off at Barton Rovers’ Sharpenhoe Road ground is at 2pm. Cash only ticket prices remain the same as last season, £5 adults and £1 children.
Those interested in purchasing a season ticket are advised to email general manager Nikki Baker at nikkibaker87@hotmail.com.
We are still looking for individual player sponsors for the new season. Those interested are also advised to use the email address above.
