Bolton Wanderers Women ready for Accrington Stanley final

Madison Hardman celebrates after scoring <i>(Image: Jake Horrocks)</i>
Madison Hardman celebrates after scoring (Image: Jake Horrocks)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Wanderers Women are aiming to kick off a big week by securing silverware as they prepare to face Accrington Stanley in the Challenge Cup final.

The sides also meet in the league this weekend and Myles Smith’s side could secure the title with victory against the Reds.

But right now, all focus is on the final as Bolton aim to achieve a big milestone in their journey since moving under club operations.

“Everyone's feeling focused and ready to go,” Smith told The Bolton News. “Obviously, we played on Sunday and it's a shorter turnaround time to what we're used to.

“We’ve had to aid recovery a little bit more this week but I think the group are focused. They know what they have to do and they’re looking forward to playing the game.”

Stanley have been Wanderers’ toughest competition in the league to date, winning every game apart from against the Whites.

“They are a team who deserve huge amounts of credit,” Smith added. “They're probably playing at too low of a level to what they can operate at.

“They have taken us right to the wire in the league, which has made it more difficult for us. Huge credit to them and we'll see what happens (at the weekend).

“They have had a lot of changes since we last played them, they've lost a few players and brought in some new faces. They have changed manager so with that comes lots of changes as we know.”

Ocean Flanagan arrived from Stanley last month and made an eye-catching debut off the bench against Penrith at the weekend.

The midfielder is cup-tied for the final but will be hoping to make her mark in the remaining league games.

“It was great to see her make her debut in our last game. She really impressed just in that small segment that we gave her,” said the manager.

“She did so well to come back from injury, first of all. She suffered a bit of a nasty injury and it shows the character that she is - how resilient, determined and professional she's been throughout her injury. 

“She has been working closely with Ash (Ashley New, physio) and the fact we could get her on the pitch this season was a massive bonus for us.

“At one stage it was looking like it might not happen until next season so huge credit needs to go to her. And what she showed on the pitch is that she's an exciting player.”

Top scorer Jess Lightfoot also misses out through suspension following her red card against Morecambe in the league.

Wanderers are 90 minutes away from silverwareNeishai Gordon has had a prolific campaign (Image: Jake Horrocks) In her absence, Madison Hardman and Neishai Gordon both netted hat tricks against third-place Penrith.

“There is no doubt that Jess has been a big player for this team this season. She is a player with a lot of potential, somebody who can really kick on and have a great career,” Smith continued.

“But we have got 26 other players in that squad who have also been big players for us, and they can kick on and do well in the game as well. 

“Whenever we play a football match, it never comes down to one player. It never even comes down to the 16.

“It comes down to all 27 players that we have that help prepare the team week in, week out at training. For those who travel, for those who don't travel, everybody works hard and gets their heads down.

“Maddie came in against Penrith and hit the ground running with another hat-trick, she’s on fire at the moment. We have got Grace (Grundy) as well who can go in there and a few other players we're considering.

“You need a whole squad throughout the course of the season. It definitely doesn't come down to one player.

It has been an impressive season so far and it would “mean the world” for Smith to see his squad lift a trophy.

“I have seen week in, week out how hard everybody has grafted,” he said. “The staff, the people in the wider club who have supported us and obviously the players.

“It would mean the world to myself and for everybody to try and get over the line. It’s important that we want to get this train moving. 

“We want to kick on, we want to go through the leagues and be a professional outfit. We have to get that train moving to start that process. 

“This women's team finished 37 points off the league last year so what we have done this year is great. But we still have a little bit of a way to go before we can hopefully get over that finish line. 

“We also have a responsibility every time we wear that shirt and that badge. We want to make this town and community proud.

“We want to make the club proud, the fans and all the people who are involved. There is no better way to do that than to win silverware and hopefully get a promotion. That is what motivates us day in, day out.”

The final takes place on Thursday night (7.30pm) at the County Ground in Leyland and supporters should note that tickets must be purchased in advance. They are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for concessions.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos