Opening the new campaign with a home game against Stamford AFC, Abbie Lister, captain of newly-promoted SJR Worksop, recently took some time out for a chat with the Nottingham Sport.
Champions, narrowly, of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Division One North last season, by a point from runners-up Oughtibridge War Memorial, Worksop join fellow promoted side, Nottingham Trent University, as well as Basford United and Mansfield Town, in the 2024/25 Premier Division.
Sports-orientated herself, Lister qualified with a degree in Sports Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University (2023), as well as earning the Level One Coaching Certificate, the defensive rock, who got engaged a few months ago, enjoyed looking back on what was a title-winning season.
“When we started pre-season, last summer (2023), you could tell that we had something going on, despite the rejig in personnel, and players changing position,” began the 25-year-old, double-winning captain (title and engagement ring).
“I’d have been buzzing if we’d finished mid-table, so to actually go and win the division, and get promotion to the Premier Division, that was something else.
“The last few games of the season, like they always are really, became huge, cup finals for us, but, if you believe in yourself, then anything is possible.”
Having exited both the County, and League Cup competitions, early on, it’s perhaps fair to say that the Worksop squad would be unsure how the season would fair.
Under the guidance of Lee Scott and Phil Hall SJR though have continued with their progress, on, and off the field of play.
“The whole turnaround we’ve had here has made a world of difference, and to do it for both Lee and Phil is great,” added Lister.
“When we lost away to Dronfield (6-1 in late-February), the training session prior to that was intense and focussed just on them.
“Then the game itself, it was really like we’d not played football before, so the training session afterwards, we just went fun, light, and enjoyed it – we could tell that some people were getting, nervous maybe – that was the turning point in the season.”
Following the Dronfield loss, SJR went seven unbeaten (won six, drawn one), to take the title following a nervy, seven-goal thriller, at home to Retford, on the final day (28 April).
Goals that day, in the 4-3 win, for SJR, came from Shannon Brooks, Leah Hardy, Emily Murphy and Emily Myatt, the latter of whom has certainly turned heads, more with her still being in her teens.
“(Emily) Myatt, she’s unreal,” admitted the SJR captain.
“She’s certainly got some insane strength and ability about her; she’s done brilliantly (16 goals netted) despite missing a few games when she was away in Montenegro.”
Last season would also see SJR enjoy a couple of matches in the FA Cup, away to Kiveton Park, and home to Lye Town, the latter coming on 23 October – nearly twelve months ago already.
The SJR line-up for that historic afternoon would be – Olivia Walker, Lauren Cundy, Aimee Roper, Abbie Lister, Lucie Spendiff, Lauren Bell, Rachael Bell, Emily Murphy, Amy O’Brien, Beth Gingell, Emily Myatt (subs Ayesha Stead, Tammy Hettey, Shannon Brooks, Lilly Brown, Abbie Kent)
Both of those matches had something to them; Kiveton saw a personal connection for Captain Lister, whilst Lye Town would see a record attendance set for Worksop, Lister adding: “I live in Kiveton, so that game, in the FA Cup, was certainly me playing at home.
“That was a big thing for me, personally, and was great to see so many people there that I know.
“As for the Lye Town tie, that was great for us, especially playing a side from the level above.
“Yes, we were disappointed to lose, and it was a huge game overall, so a bittersweet feeling, but again, it was really nice seeing everyone there for it.”
SJR Worksop begin the new, EMWRFL Premier season with a home game against Stamford AFC (1 September), before making the short trip into Nottingham, and the first derby of the season, on matchday two, when they are welcomed by Nottingham Trent University (8 September) a week later.
The ladies will also be looking to enjoy a good cup run in this seasons Sheffield & Hallamshire Women’s County Cup competition.
In regards upcoming cup matches, the Adobe Women’s FA Cup taking place this Sunday, the opening round has also been published for the EMWRFL League Cup, Sherwood Women finding themselves on the road in both competitions.
ADOBE WOMEN’S FA CUP FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND (to be played 1 September)
RETFORD vs. Dronfield Town; HBW United vs. NEWARK TOWN; Ruston Sports vs. ARNOLD EAGLES; Moulton Ladies vs. SHERWOOD
(Round dates for the Women’s FA Cup this season are – 2QR 22 September; 3QR 13 October; R1 3 November; R2 24 November; R3 8 December; R4 12 January; R5 9 February; QF 9 March; SF 13 April; FINAL 18 May)
EAST MIDLANDS WOMEN’S REGIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND (to be played 6 October, KO 13:30, extra-time and penalties if level after 90 minutes; losing sides will drop into the League Plate)
Leicester City Ladies vs. SJR WORKSOP; ARNOLD EAGLES vs. Buxton Women; Sleaford Town vs. BASFORD UNITED; Cardea Ladies vs. WEST BRIDGFORD COLTS; New Bradwell St. Peter’s vs. MANSFIELD TOWN; Asfordby Amateurs vs. SHERWOOD; NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY vs. Sheffield Women; NOTTS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT vs. Anstey Nomads
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @RBIPhotography1 Abbie lifting the trophy as SJR Worksop celebrate their league title last season.
Image courtesy of RBI PHOTOGRAPHY https://x.com/RBIPhotography1
