The FA Women’s National League is delighted to announce that the 2018-19 Championship play-off final will be hosted by Bradford City FC on Saturday 18 May (3pm).
The match will see the winners of the Northern and Southern Premier Divisions, Blackburn Rovers and Coventry United, compete to be crowned the overall champions of the FA Women’s National League.
Blackburn Rovers have not only completed a hat-trick of FA WNL Northern Premier Division titles in the past three seasons, but have also won the FA WNL Cup for the past two years.
This season they have been in remarkable form, losing just twice in all competitions – once in the league and once in the SSE Women’s FA Cup, to eventual Finalists West Ham United.
Their remarkable form has seen them score 152 goals in 35 matches, conceding just 29. Over half of those goals have been scored by attacking duo Saffron Jordon and Natasha Flint.
Coventry fought off tough competition in the FA WNL Southern Premier Division to clinch the title with two matches to spare. They stormed to a 4-1 victory over Cardiff City to claim their first league title since 2014.
Coventry were also victorious in the Birmingham FA County Cup where they defeated West Bromwich Albion, winners of the FA WNL Plate Competition, 3-0. Amy Wathan is Coventry’s top scorer with 23 goals, while Jade Brook scored the most memorable effort of the season, gaining nationwide recognition and an appearance on Soccer AM after her long-range strike against Watford.
With both clubs set for promotion to the FA Women’s Championship, subject to meeting licence criteria, this game should be a real celebration of the FA Women’s National League with both clubs showcasing the best of their ability.
FA Women’s National League chairman Carol West said: “We’re delighted to be heading to Bradford City for this game. I’m sure they will provide the perfect platform for our showpiece event.
“Both clubs have had immensely successful campaigns, securing their individual league titles, and I’m sure they will be determined to prove themselves as ‘best of the best’ to claim FA WNL bragging rights that earns them the privilege of lifting the Championship play-off trophy.”
Bradford City’s head of operations Paula Watson added: “We are delighted that the Northern Commercials Stadium has been chosen to host the FA Women’s National League Championship play-off final.
“Bradford City Football Club are big supporters of the women’s game, so we were delighted to be offered the opportunity to host this match.
“We are hopeful that our own supporters, as well as others from the local area, will come and join fans of both sides to enjoy the game. We will be working with the FA WNL to make sure this is a great occasion for everyone involved.”
The game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 18 May, with the ground opening at 2pm.
Tickets are priced at £5 adults, £2.50 for concessions and £1 for children (under-3s are free).
