Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.34 2022-23

Shaftesbury Ladies have just completed the most successful season in their history, winning
the Dorset Women’s League for the first time after a season long battle with Ridgeway Ladies.
They got off to a good start with a 5-3 win against Poole Town Reserves, whilst their second
match turned out to be a highly significant one - beating eventual runners-up Ridgeway 3-1.
Shaftesbury remained in the running until a run of victories in each of their last five
matches tipped the balance, including a 5-0 success against third placed Merley Cobham
Sports. The title was secured in the last match of the season when they beat Sherborne Town
Development 4-0.
After narrowly losing out 3-2 to Poole Town, who play two tiers above them, in the County
Cup, Shaftesbury set their sights on adding the League Cup to their trophy cabinet but they
were to fall just short, losing on penalties to Wimborne Town in the semi finals.
“Winning the league is the first trophy this side has ever won,” manager Dan Horsman told
Women’s Soccer Scene. “Last year, we finished mid-table which was our highest ever position
until this season.
“We had a couple of losses to rivals at the top of the table, which meant we had to win our
last game of the season [against Sherborne Town Development] to win the league. We won 4-0
which meant we beat Ridgeway to the title by one point.
“Key performances for us include picking up close wins against teams such as Poole Town
Reserves and Wimborne Town, but also inflicting big defeats on some teams with our best
result being 15-1.”
Shaftesbury are managed by Dan Horsman and Poppy Westby is captain. Other key
players for the team this season have been Nikki Castle, who has scored 35 goals this season
whilst goalkeeper Emma Stranger only conceded fifteen times. Emma also plays a vital role off
the pitch as team Secretary, liaising with the Dorset FA.
“We hope to be promoted to the South West Regional League next season,” added
Horsman.
Shaftesbury Ladies squad: Katie Baines, Charlie Benefer, Stacey Blunn, Nikki Castle, Poppy
Chapman, Ellie Cooper, Katie Evans, Poppy Failes, Lily Greaves, Chelsie Johnson, Michelle
Munday, Ali Scott-Sheppard, Samantha Shingler, Emma Stranger, Isabel Thurston, Tracy
Westwood, Sophie Wilson.

news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk