Heading into the business part of the season and Mansfield Town Ladies, members of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League, are, on the main, enjoying their season.

Andi Bell’s side, sitting joint-second in the Premier Division with Chesterfield, and three behind leaders Sheffield (both of whom have two games in hand), have won five and drawn four of their eleven league games.

On top of that, the Lady Stags have made the semi-finals of both the EMWRFL League Plate, and the Nottinghamshire FA County Cup, the latter of which sees them play Notts County Reserves, of the FA Women’s National League Reserves Midlands league.

Speaking of their season to date, the Stags boss, who celebrates five years in charge this summer, said; “It’s been a positive one so far for us.

“Our goal conversion has been a bit of a problem (they’ve scored 36 in 15 compared to their County Cup final opponents, who’ve notched 59 in 19), especially having created lots of chances.

“Defensively though, we’ve been great; performances have been great, up to a point, just the final edge that’s been missing.”

Throughout their season thus far, the Stags have only lost to the EMWRFL Premier leaders, Sheffield, twice (2-1 and 1-0) and New Bradwell St Peters in the League Cup (2-1), the last defeat, against Sheffield in the league, coming on 10 November last year.

“Facing Sheffield, at home (10.11.24), we only lost to a miscommunication at the back,” explained the Stags boss.

“But I’d honestly back us against anyone in this league, it’s just those fine margins.

“There’s no particularly easy games, and there’ll still be some twists and turns in this title race.”

Of the nine-team division meanwhile, there’s been plenty of local action for Mansfield, with games against Basford United, SJR Worksop, and Nottingham Trent University on the schedule; in addition, they’ve also faced Retford in the County Cup.

Following this Sunday’s County Cup semi-final there’s just five league games to play (as well as the Plate semi, and potentially, two cup finals); those league games will see three away games, at SJR (23.02.25), Chesterfield (02.03.25), and Rotherham United (09.03.25), before finishing the campaign off with back-to-back home games, both local affairs, against Basford (16.03.25) and SJR (23.03.25).

Cup-wise however, the Stags have had a little extra fun along the way, winning their respective, last outings, 3-1 against Newport Pagnell Town (League Plate, goals from Amy Pashley, Maia Taylor, and Olivia Wheatcroft), and 5-0 against NTU (County Cup, Ava Williamson with two alongside Monica Bowley, Erin James, and an own-goal).

“When we faced New Bradwell, we were on top in that game, but also panicky,” explained Bell.

“But we’ve managed to go on a good run in the Plate since, albeit facing teams from the divisions below, sides we’ve not played before, and had to work just that little bit more in them.

“We’ll take anyone in the semis though, I’ll be happy with any draw really.

“As for the County Cup, it’s been competitive and some decent sides in there.

“They’ve been sides who’ve not stopped for the full ninety minutes, work really hard, but for us, facing this County side, they’re an unknown.

“As with the league though, I’d still back us and know we have the effort, passion, and the drive, and we want to go out there, and win the competition overall.

“The other semi-final however, between (holders) Basford and Arnold Eagles, Basford knocked us out of last years’ competition.

“But whoever makes it to the final, it’ll be a tough game all round.”

Mansfield Town will face hosts, Notts County Reserves, in one of the two, semi-finals, of this seasons’ Total Reclaims Nottinghamshire FA Women’s County Cup.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @MTFCLadies Head Coach Andi Bell is expecting a tough semi final.