As goal-scoring goes, the record being put together by Arnold Eagles Women’s striker, Natasha Leach, is quite an impressive one to say the least.

Either side of what was but a brief sojourn to Mansfield Town Ladies, the Arnold hero returned amidst fanfare in the summer, picking up where she left off, and has now topped a century of goals for the ladies in deep purple.

Not just that, but there’s also been 24 assists, and in just 48 games, making her responsible for 126 goals, and counting, for the East Midlands Regional Women’s Football League Division One North pacesetters.

“I actually began at Ruddington, when I was what, 13-years-old, for four years,” began Natasha.

“I was scoring loads of goals back then as well,” giggled the now 26-year-old, “but I left when I was 17 because I fell pregnant with Ella, who’s seven-years-old now, and pays for our Harries side.

“When I returned to football, it was straight to Arnold; they had three teams back then, and played at Eagle Valley.

“They were local to me and, because I couldn’t commit completely, what with work, and a young daughter, it was something they were prepared to take, and I’ve never looked back.”

As she approaches what will only be her fiftieth game for the Eagles (weather/covid permitting) at some point in January, Natasha can already count several highlights amongst the plethora of goals for the Eagles.

Two of those arrived in 2019, the start of which would see her claim a triple hat-trick, firing a nine-goal salvo in the Nottinghamshire Girls & Ladies League, League Cup semi-final against Teversal, whilst the end would witness her bag the Eagles’ 100^th ever goal.

Last season would see her pull on the Mansfield jersey, for as brief a time as it was due to a pandemic delaying, postponing quite a bit.

“Playing Teversal (in 2019), it was a good game,” continued Natasha.

“We expected it to be a tight game, but I like to score goals, I always have done; I set myself targets and average two goals a game.

“When I came back though, I had a few offers in which to go elsewhere, at a higher level as well.

“But I missed the girls at Arnold so much, it was a no-brainer when Neil (Matthews) asked to bring me back.

“I just love football though, and I can’t imaging not playing it, and I’m really happy here, both playing, and coaching (Natasha coaches the U9 Harriers).

“In fact, doing the coaching now, I understand how difficult, how hard it can be, for Neil and the other coaches.”

Now that Natasha has surpassed a century of goals for Arnold Eagles, and averaging an impressive two-plus goals per game at the same time, this season must see them go for promotion, and add some silverware to the cabinet.

“I was top scorer for two seasons but covid has hampered a lot,” adds Natasha.

“Hopefully we can get through this campaign unscathed, but everyone is also in the same boat as we are.

“But yes, we need to be pushing for promotion, and, although there’s still a long way to go, there’s other sides going to be battling with us at the top of the table.

“I’m proud to be here though, and doing what I can, with these girls; I couldn’t do it without them, both my teammates, and the coaching team.

“I’m still working on upping that goal ratio though.”

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @ArnoldEaglesFC Natasha pictured with daughter Ella.