The two sides had started the day level on points, with Lincoln City boasting a superior goal difference of just one.

Forest's heroine was Natalie Clarke who scored a hat-trick, with Beth Bailey bagging a brace.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Fran Waller netted the Yorkshire side's goal but it was Forest - who went the entire league campaign without losing a single game - who will line up alongside the likes of Arsenal and Everton next season.

In the Southern Division, Fulham suffered a rare defeat at Colchester United, but they will join Forest in the National Division, replacing Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic.