Lionesses seal their Premier League spot

Millwall Lionesses LFC 2-3 Barnet FC Ladies
The FA Women's Premier Leagur Southern Division
3pm, Sunday 19 April 2009
Millwall FC Training Ground, Millwall

Millwall Lionesses celebrated their promotion to The FA Women's Premier League - despite a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Barnet on Sunday.

The south London side clinched their place back in the top flight after an eight-year absence thanks to a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in midweek.

And the loss to Barnet could not dampen their joy as they were presented with the Southern Division Championship trophy.

That came after a slightly below-par performance against the Bees - perhaps understandable after the excitement of securing promotion.

Barnet took an early lead, only for Victoria Boardman to equalise from Ann-Marie Heatherson's cross.

Dionne Lennon was then adjudged to have committed a foul in the box to allow Barnet to regain the lead from the penalty spot, only for Millwall to come storming back again thanks to Laura Jeffrey's superb strike from the edge of the box.

But although Millwall piled forward looking a fitting win to mark the occasion, Barnet's goalkeeper produced a string of good saves before the north Londoners snatched the victory with just five minutes remaining.

However, the Lionessess will not be too disappointed as they look forward to pitting their wits against the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea next season.