After having finished near the top of the table in recent seasons, Rotherham Utd dominated the Midland Combination title race to claim the Championship and promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

Despite a spirited challenge from runners-up Coventry City, the Yorkshire side went through the campaign with an unbeaten record and finished with a five point margin.

“The road to success was not all a bed of roses as tears were shed along the way,” says club secretary Karen Smith.

“But hard work, application, ability, commitment and the understanding of football were some of the many reasons why we managed to reach our goal for the season.

“We have set a new record for the Midland Combination as no team has ever won the title and gone through the whole season undefeated. This in itself is a fantastic achievement.”

Suzanne Davies has captured most of the attention after a phenomenal season in front of goal and she is set to make a big impact in the Northern Division.

However there have been several other major contributions from Paul Durands’ side in their title success, including the likes of goalkeeper Rose Nash who was one of the most improved players last season, Helen Lynskey, Sara Thickett and Bridgette Booth.

Neil Brown writes for Womenssocerscene.co.uk