Last season that came to an end early was a season to forget for Leafield Athletic as in the 7 games that took place Leafield had only picked up the solo single point. I mention that because you have to see the journey and the efforts made by Aid Clements and his team to make this season so far on and off the pitch something special with what they are creating.
After the opening game of the season in which they lost 4-0 to Long Eaton, seeing Leafield play now it’s like a completely different team, a team that plays with a smile on their face.
Leafield have now played seventeen games this season including two walkovers and show an impressive 11 wins and 6 losses while scoring 54 goals in the 15 games they have played.
In the league, the true position doesn’t tell the whole story as due to cancellations and postponements Leafield are behind in games played. Some teams have managed to play 12 games meaning they have played double the amount that Leafield have. Wins over Bedworth 3-2, Wem Town 4-1 and Solihull Moors 1-2 have set foundations to go into 2022 with a true belief of moving up the table.
As well as the league a Women’s FA Cup run saw wins over Leicester Road Ladies & Girls 1-12, AFC Telford 0-4 before finally being just edged out in a close game against Lincoln City 2-3. In the County Cup, Leafield faced West Brom on Sunday in the quarter-final. going down to a credible 5-1 defeat. Wins over Lye Town 6-1, Sedgley & Gornal United Ladies 0-12 as well as a walkover by Rugby Borough Women & Girls. Unfortunately this Sunday just gone the cup run came to an end against Jenny Sugarman’s West Brom. A team in the higher division where a 5-1 defeat saw the run come to an end in Leafield’s first game back in 2022.
A loss to Chester Le Street 3-0 saw Leafield go into the plate of which they next face Sporting Khalsa after wins over Solihull Moors 3-0, 3-0 against Leek Town and a walkover against Holwell Sports sees them progress in the Plate.
Not only on the pitch is it exciting to be part of Leafield Athletic but the atmosphere and overall experience is one that is something to behold. The players are a friendly bunch and welcoming as are the staff. Dickens Heath Sports is a great venue to visit and sit in the bar having a drink before and after the game with a real grassroots and family vibe. You’ll find Tracie with a smile to greet you as always like other members of the Leafield staff. On the pitch, you get to see great players like the leagues top scorer Daisy-Mai Clements and 3rd top scorer Katie Johnson. Also players such as Chloe Shirley, Chloe Baker-Duthie, Lucy Crumpton and many more..
So in 2022 makes sure you get down and watch a Leafield game and you are sure to have a fantastic time and not to forget to see the best physio in the game, Sarah Jackson.