Olveston United Ladies clinch league title in debut season

The O’s, unbeaten and top of the league in what is their debut season, needed just one point to secure, with Longlevens needing a win to wrestle the title away from Olveston.

Any thought Olveston might sit back and look to defend for a point were quickly dispelled with some early flowing football that threatened to unlock the visitors’ defence with Olveston’s Rosanna Blacker nearly breaking the deadlock but seeing her effort cleared off the line.

At the other end Tash Hibbert made a fine save from Lauren Mills as the first half finished goalless.

A Longlevens attack down the right saw a cross into the box that was brilliantly intercepted by centre back Sarah Bailey and with a flash she played into the influential Sally Gill at the heart of the Olveston midfield. Gill skipped past two challenges before releasing an early ball down the middle. Striker Lauren White timed her run perfectly off the shoulder of the last defender, rounded the keeper and ran the ball into the empty net.

Longlevens responded well, with Sian Rollings forced to clear a shot from the edge of the box off the line following a corner.

Abbie Mitchell was introduced for the home side with 10 minutes to go and within three minutes of coming on she put the game to bed. Chelsea Giles found herself in an advanced position, beat two players and squared for Mitchell to slot home to complete an impressive performance and secure the title in an unbeaten season.

Olveston United Ladies celebrate clinching the league title following a 2-0 win over Longlevens Ladies. Photo: Soccerworld

Manager James Eveleigh said “I don’t think it’ hassunk in yet what we have achieved.

“This group of players are unbelievable, they work hard for each other and are continually raising the bar on and off the pitch and despite the Covid lockdowns they have stayed fit and fully deserve this league title. I am very proud of them all.”