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Derbies for ladies teams

15/ 8/2008

ACCRINGTON Stanley Ladies have had their first-ever promotion confirmed by the Lancashire Football Association this week.

The club finished fourth in the LFA Women’s County League Second Division last term.

With five teams promoted the previous year, hopes were high of good news from the LFA.

And the make-up of the league was finalised this week, and Stanley will now take their place in the First Division, where they can look forward to local derbies against Accrington Girls and Ladies and Accrington Ladies 91.

The club was only formed in 2006, finishing bottom of the table in their debut campaign, with one win to their name.

But the Reds learned from the experience and managed to snatch the final promotion slot this year with a game to play, edging out Carleton, Whitehaven and Lancaster City at the death with a fine run of form.

Head coach Chris Boden said: "We were told we were likely to be promoted in June, but it is fantastic to finally get confirmation.

"We were prepared for either eventuality - if we had stayed in the Second Division, we would have looked to win promotion outright, but although the First Division will be a massive step up for us, we can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge.

"The games against the two other Accrington clubs will be something to look forward to as well."

Stanley continue their pre-season preparations on Sunday at Burnley Belvedere, before facing Bolton Wanderers on the 24 August and Lancaster on the 31 August.

The side are always looking to strengthen their squad, particularly with a goalkeeper, centre back and centre forward. Anyone interested in playing can contact Chris (07815207319), or email karen@stanleyladies.co.uk or m.boden2005@btinternet.com.

Training takes place on Wednesdays at Highams Playing Fields on Thorneyholme Road, Accrington between 7-8-30 p.m.