Page 8 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.35 2021-22

BBC to show Play-Off Final

On Saturday 21st May, Southampton
Women FC will take on Wolverhampton
Wanderers WFC in the FA Women’s
National League Championship Play-Off
Final.
For the first time, the Final will be streamed live online globally by the BBC on
the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, bringing wider exposure for the third tier of
women’s football in England.
The game will see the two sides, Champions of the FA WNL Northern and
Southern Premier Divisions, go head-to-head for the National League title and a place
in the FA Women’s Championship next season. The teams go into the Final in
remarkable form with just two defeats between them all season.
Taking place at Edgeley Park, the home of Stockport County FC, the fixture will
kick off at 3pm BST, with the two sides battling it out for 90 minutes, plus extra time
and penalties if required.
Tickets for the game are available to buy online now for just £5 for adults, £2.50
for under 16s and concessions, whilst kids under 10 go free.
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, Southampton Women FC Manager, said: “I’m hugely
proud of what we’ve achieved this season, having only been promoted in 2021.
“The fact we go into the Play-Off Final as Southern Division champions and
National League Cup winners is a testament to the unreserved commitment, mentality
and work ethic of our exceptional players and staff. But the season is not finished yet.
“At the start of the campaign, I set out some lofty ambitions to my squad, one of
which was to gain promotion to the Championship. After months of commitment to
the cause, one solitary hurdle remains in achieving that goal.”
Daniel McNamara, Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC Manager, said: “When our
season started our first aim was to stay in Tier 3. To be in the position we are now,
potentially 90 minutes from reaching the elite level of the game is phenomenal.
“It’s a testament to the players and their application throughout what has been a
very testing campaign. From the first whistle they’ve been a credit to the club.”
Carol West, Chair of The FA Women's National League, added: “The Women’s
National League Championship Play-Off Final is the biggest game of the season and
we’re delighted to have agreed a deal with the BBC to showcase the centrepiece of our
competition.
“Southampton and Wolves are two incredibly talented teams who have had
phenomenal seasons. With both teams in such good form the Final promises to be a
showcase event that’s not to be missed.
“We want to see as many people as possible at Stockport County to cheer them
on as they battle it out for the overall National League title and a place in the FA
Women’s Championship.”
The two teams will go into the match having only been beaten once each
throughout the campaign and winning their titles by eight (Wolves) and nine
(Southampton) points.
Issue no. 35 - 19 May 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk