Page 23 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.35 2022-23

Bitton Ladies had their own ‘Invincibles’ season as they clinched the League and Cup double. The
club was reformed this season after ten years away and surpassed expectations as they went on a
21-game unbeaten run to lift the Gloucestershire County Women’s League Division One title and
Gordon Perrett League Cup. The only games they failed to win this season were on the opening day
of the season where they drew 2-2 away at Gloucester City, when they were severely under
strength with players missing, and the 0-0 draw with then leaders Bristol Rovers Development
towards the end of the season when the point was far more valuable to Bitton.
Scoring a late goal in the game against the ‘Gas Girls’ in February to win 3-2 gave the team
great confidence that they could go all the way and from that point on, the incredible work rate
and team spirit meant they always looked like they would be able to win games and achieve their
season goals. Some gritty performances against the likes of Bristol & West and Cheltenham
Saracens were important in maintaining momentum across the season which was disrupted early
on by the poor weather. Due to some games being called off early on, they were effectively chasing
Bristol Rovers Development all season and only managed to overtake them in the last few weeks
of the season and clinch the title with a 2-0 win against Bishop’s Cleeve. Lillian Briddon gave them
a first half lead before Anna Munday finished an exquisite Becky Jones through ball late on to
spark wild celebrations.
Captain Leanne Passaway and Becky Jones coming out of retirement, after playing for Bitton
ten years ago alongside Hayley Honeywell, all added great experience alongside a majority of
youngsters in the team who are aged between 16-19.
Abbie Woodley-Marshall finished the top scorer after hitting 18 goals in 17 games but all
players chipped in, which was evident in the 9-1 win over Abbeymead which featured nine
different scorers. At the other end of the pitch, the defence were superb in the second half of the
season with seven clean sheets in the last eight games meaning they only conceded ten goals all
season, with players such as Zoe Hodgson, Issabelle Strawford, Niamh Hague and Elissa White all
putting in superb displays.
Alongside the Championship win, they also added the League Cup, scoring an impressive 27
goals in five games before eventually winning the final 6-2 against a talented Cirencester Town
side.
The team is managed by Mike Strawford who recently won the Severn Sport GCWFL manager
of the season award for leading his side to the League and Cup double in their first season. He is
supported by assistant Lee Hopton and Physio Nigel White.
There are positive times ahead for the club as they will also be having a Development team
next season as they look to provide a player pathway and build on the success of the exciting
Under-16’s Bitton girls.

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