Arnold Eagles Women, and the goal-scoring prowess of Natasha Leach, took over leadership of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League, on Sunday afternoon, when they comfortably saw off visitors, second-bottom Sleaford Town Ladies.

They were one of just three Nottinghamshire sides in action and victory saw them move two points ahead of second-placed Grimsby Town Women, who now have a game in hand.

Leach would fire a four-goal salvo in the win, taking her tally to 23 goals in nine games, Hannah Hughes also scoring, whilst the visitors replied, late on through Kelsey Benton.

Afterwards, the Eagles summed up victory in saying: “Another 3 points in the bag for the Eagles 1st team after this afternoon’s 5-1 victory over Sleaford Town Ladies.

“After our customary slow start the ladies finally got going and went in at the break 2 goals to the good, thanks to lovely goals from Tasha and Hannah.

“A great result and some fantastic individual performances from players who have patiently waited for opportunities which injuries and unavailability have afforded them today.

“The management team now have the luxury of a selection headache as other members of the squad return from injury during the Christmas break.”

In the EMWRFL Premier Division, there was a top-of-the-table clash between Oughtibridge War Memorial Women, and visitors Mansfield Town Ladies, Andi Bell’s Stags remaining unbeaten following a goalless draw.

The shared spoils would see the two side’s two points ahead of that of Northampton Town Women, and Chesterfield Town Women, the former of whom have a game in hand on the front two.

The other Notts Women side in action was that of Rise Park Ladies, who were held to a 2-2 draw when home to Loughborough Students Women, Katie Platts scoring twice as the pair remain in the bottom three with the point for the hosts, doubling their tally this campaign.

Meanwhile, the draws were made for the next round of the EMWRFL League Cup and League Plate competition respectively, Nottinghamshire sides being drawn as follows (ties to be played 9 January).

LEAGUE CUP: Derby County Women Academy vs. Arnold Eagles; Notts County Development vs Nottingham Forest Development; Oughtibridge War Memorial vs. Leicester Road/Nottingham Trent University; Colaville Town Women vs. Notts County Women; Sherwood Women vs. Thrapston Town Ladies; Rise Park Ladies vs. Loughborough Students

LEAGUE PLATE: Mansfield Town Ladies vs. Leicester City Ladies; St Joseph’s Rockware of Worksop vs. Rotherham United Ladies.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @ArnoldEaglesFC celebrations for the Arnold women who top Division One North.