Behind Wythenshawe Women FC’s rise

Photography by Deborah Eastham Photography

On the back of Wythenshawe’s boss James Mulvihill being nominated for the October manager of the month award, following an excellent string of performances, we looked into what is driving this newly promoted side’s excellent 25/26 campaign.

Strong results

Currently sitting in 2nd place in the table, Wythenshawe have maintained an impressive record of 6 victories, 1 draw and only 1 defeat in the league. Despite having a tough run of games which has seen them face off against sides like Leeds United Women, Stockport County Ladies and league leaders Cheadle Town Stingers, Wythenshawe have not recorded a league defeat since the opening day.

Since then, they have not only recorded impressive league victories which currently sees them on a 4 game winning streak in the league, but they have also shown their ability to compete with the very best in Tier 4. Their 2-1 victory against the league leaders Cheadle Town Stingers, thanks to a late Chelsea Flanagan goal signalled Wythenshawe’s intent to challenge the very best in the division.

Last gasp goals

With Wythenshawe’s goal difference standing at 3, much lower than Huddersfield Town Women’s tally of 21 for example, Wythenshawe hold neither the best defensive or the best attacking record in the league. What they do possess however is an incredible ability to grind out results and snatch important goals in the dying moments of games.

This has been demonstrated not only by Chelsea Flanagan’s crucial 87th minute finish against Cheadle Town Stingers but also through numerous other occasions across the season. Their fixture against Leeds on the 14th September looked to be heading to defeat as they trailed 2-1 until the 88th minute when Amanda Goodwin stepped forward with an impressive long range effort to secure a point for her side.

Perhaps more impressive was Kirsty Chambers’ brace against Norton and Stockton Ancients on the 24th August. With her side trailing by one goal and only 3 minutes left of normal time, Wythenshawe looked to be cruising to a second successive league defeat. Substitute Chambers however provided two crucial long range screamers in the 88th and 92nd minute respectively to fire her team to their first 3 points of the FAWNL campaign.

This kind of grit to secure points in the dying minutes will be a massive confidence boost to the Ammies who know that they can never be truly counted out of games.

Impressive performances

One player whose impressive performances has seen her pick up 2 opposition player of the match awards is the Ammies’ keeper Allison Cress. Having signed for the side back in November 2024, her ability between the sticks has kept her side in games and allowed the forwards to do what they do best.

Another player who has been impressing is Libby Dixon. Incredibly, despite only playing 5 games so far, she has managed a tally of 3 goals and assists combined and has also collected 3 opposition player of the match awards. Clearly, Wythenshawe’s top goal scorer from last season is a force to be reckoned with.

Back to back to back promotions?

Wythenshawe’s performances are already hugely impressive as a newly promoted side. However, when you consider that Wythenshawe entered this season already off the back of back to back promotions, their meteoric rise appears even more impressive.

With only 8 league games gone, it is perhaps too early to speculate on whether Wythenshawe can keep up their incredible trajectory and perhaps secure another promotion into Tier 3. However, with the side currently boasting a 4 game long league winning streak and sitting in 2nd place only behind the league leaders on goal difference, it would be foolish to count out James Mulvihill’s side.

As the 25/26 FAWNL campaign continues, make sure to keep an eye on Wythenshawe as they continue their ascent up the leagues.