Winchcombe Town Ladies’ defender Gemma Evans says the Magpies have ‘every chance’ of winning promotion for the first time in their short history into the Gloucestershire County FA Womens League 2.
The Pies sit in joint second place in the table, and approaching the half way point, are just three points off of league leaders Bitton Ladies – who are yet to drop a point.
Despite struggling in the division in recent seasons, finishing in 8th place of 11 in both of the last two campaigns, a few new faces have rejuvenated the Black and Whites.
Winchcombe have won six of their eight league games to date this term, and Evans wasn’t shy when discussing the topic of promotion.
“I think we’ve got a good chance,” she said. “As you say, they’ve (Bitton) dropped down and been really good. They average about nine or 10 goals a game and are expected to be at the top, but we are scoring goals and playing well.
“We’re nearly halfway through the season and are only three points off them, we’ve got plenty of momentum, there’s no reason why we can’t seriously challenge them. Plus, it’s the top two teams that get promoted, so even if we can’t catch them, we’ve got our sights set on second place at least.”
Founded in just 2018, the Pies are yet to taste promotion into the second division, and defender Evans believes this season presents their best opportunity so far.
“It would definitely be a big achievement, we’ve got the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here, it won’t be easy but we’ve got every chance.”
A couple of key additions at either end of the pitch have been vital to Winchcombe’s turnaround season, reveals Evans.
Their top scorer this season, Holly Talbot, has netted five and set three up so far, whereas new goalkeeper Chloe Bateman has steadied the ship defensively.
The captain added: “The new girls have helped, to name a few; Holly, who has definitely been our key attacker and striker this season, and Chloe, our new goalkeeper, has definitely been a big addition to the team because in the past we’ve struggled to field a consistent goalkeeper. I definitely think we’re much stronger across the field now than ever before.”
