Anna Perks proud as Wolves Women seal title and promotion
Skipper Anna Perks expressed her pride after Wolves Women clinched the Premier League Midlands Division One title, writes Peter Westwood.
A nervy 1-0 win over Leicester City Ladies, courtesy of a second-half goal from Emma Cross, was enough to seal the title and with it promotion to the Northern Division.
A delighted Perks said: “I’m so proud to have captained such a fantastic squad of girls. The strength and depth of our squad has been a major factor to the season’s success, as even with injuries the team has not suffered.
“We are now looking forward to a good rest and then putting the hard work in for next season in the Northern Division.”
The captain was sidelined for the title-clinching win after breaking her collarbone in last week’s 3-0 win over Loughborough Students, a result which saw them jump ahead of long-time leaders Loughborough Foxes and top the table.
That meant they headed into Sunday’s game with Leicester knowing victory would be enough to see them lift the crown.
And they began the game in determined mood, stand-in captain Vicky Brackenbury heading just over from a Jen Anslow corner in the first minute, before Laura McQuilkin went clsoe when she sent a shot just wide of the goal.
Jade Cross then shot over the bar as Wolves continued to make most of the running, though they were given a scare when goalkeeper Sophie Glenny was forced into her first save of the game following a Leicester corner.
Wolves were then quickly out of the blocks at the start of the second half and their pressure finally paid off in the 48th minute. McQuilkin’s long-range shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out to Emma Cross who tapped it over the line for the decisive goal.
Amber Quick twice went close to increasing the lead and easing Wolves nerves in the closing stages, while Glenny made three saves as Leicester pushed for a late equaliser.
But Wolves held firm to earn victory and seal their return back to the Northern Division.
Boss Tim Dudding said: “It’s an incredible feeling, and one that’s been a long time coming. We’ve worked so hard over the season, and we’ve had to dig deep in some incredibly difficult times, but we’ve come out on top – as champions!”
