Our Top 4 Players to watch across Tier 4

1. Kenedy Owen - Stockport County Ladies (Division One North)

Photography by @machinsports

Without a doubt, Kenedy Owen’s superb leadership skills and excellent performances have been key to ensuring that Stockport County Ladies currently sit in a comfortable 8th position in the Division One North. A standout midfielder, Owen has earned the accolade of opposition Player of the Match a staggering 8 times so far this season, highlighting the impact that she can have on a match

Having racked up a respectable tally of 7 goals and 3 assists so far this season, Owen has been a crucial boost to her side going forward. Whether it be stepping up to slot home penalties under pressure or firing home a 30 yard screamer like her goal against Huddersfield Town in December, Owen is clearly a midfielder who has a clear eye for goal.

She is no stranger to receiving awards for her standout play and was named the 2023-24 Division One North Player of the Year and as well as previously also being nominated for FAWNL Player of the Season at the North West Football Awards. Prior to joining Stockport County ahead of the 2021-2022 season, Owen previously played for Burnley Women FC displaying how high-level football is nothing new for her.

As we look ahead to next season, Kenedy Owen is exactly the type of player who could propel her side towards a Tier 3 promotion bid. With a mix of gritty determination, excellent passing skills and sublime finishing, Owen is the complete midfielder and a player to keep your eye on!

2. Jade Bell - Northampton Town Women (Division One Midlands)

Photography by Clive Stapleton

In Division One Midlands, the sight of Jade Bell bounding towards goal is enough to give most keepers nightmares. With a mindblowing total of 33 goals in 23 appearances this season, she leads the league in scoring by a country mile having currently scored 17 more goals than her nearest competitor. Her standout goalscoring performance this season has to be her side’s 7-0 win against Lincoln City where Bell scored all 7 goals!

However Bell has also shown that she can do much more than just score goals and she’s also registered 11 assists, showcasing her ability to set her teammates up to. She has also won opposition Player of the Match 9 times, which further emphasises just how she can dominate a match.

She boasts an impressive career to date which includes having spent some time in The States. After having initially played with Peterborough United Ladies as a teenager, she jetted off to America on a football scholarship and spent a total of 6 and a half years there. Bell also trained with the Houston Dash in the NWSL, gaining valuable experience and showcasing her ability to play at one of the highest levels. Since joining Northampton Town in 2022, she’s become their number 10 and their talisman in front of goal.

After having won the Golden Boot last season, she will be hoping to retain her title this season - something that I’m sure she feels is within reach!

As we move into the final two games of the season, her side sit in second position, 3 points off the league leaders Loughborough Lightning. If anyone can push her club towards promotion, it's Jade Bell.

3. Hayley Marie Hoare - London Bees (Division One South East)

Photography by Jimmy Yau

London Bees’ 22-year-old Welsh winger Hayley Hoare has been nothing short of exceptional this season, cementing her status as one of the standout performers in the FA Women’s National League Division One South East. In her debut season with the Bees, and her first full campaign transitioning from full back into attack, Hoare has delivered a career-best 10 goals and 15 assists, marking an extraordinary contribution to her side’s campaign.

Her impact has been evident week in, week out, earning her four opposition Player of the Match awards and making her a key figure in nearly every league game for the Bees this season. Hoare’s ability to rise to big occasions has been a defining feature of her year: from a sensational late winner direct from a corner against Actonians in February, to a goal against league leaders Real Bedford in a hard-fought 3–2 loss, this showcases her ability to compete at the highest level.

One such memorable performance of hers came in the FA Cup against QPR, where she not only netted a dramatic extra-time free kick to edge her team 4–3 ahead but also recorded a remarkable three assists in the same game. Speaking to BBC Radio London after the match, Hoare reflected on a performance that highlighted her readiness to shine in the key moments.

Beyond the pitch, Hoare exemplifies the modern-day National League player. Balancing her semi-professional career with a full-time PGCE course working in a school, her commitment to football is nothing short of inspiring. Even following a grade two ligament damage and a hip impingement which put her out of the game for 4 months last season, Hoare only came back stronger.

Despite her young age, Hoare brings a wealth of experience to the Bees, having played at clubs like Coventry United (now Rugby Borough Women) in the Championship and Oxford United Women, as well as developing in the WSL academy system at Aston Villa. Internationally, she has proudly represented Wales at U15, U17, and U19 levels, including making appearances in the European Championships. With her eyes set firmly on a senior call-up, this season has shown why she is capable of shining at the highest level.

As the Bees prepare for their final fixtures against Ashford Town Ladies and Chesham United Women, Hoare will be looking to finish the campaign on a high and help drive her side towards a potential top-three finish. Hayle Hoare’s breakout season as a standout winger has demonstrated she is a true example of dedication, talent and undying determination to overcome any setbacks.

4. Shannon Albuery - Moneyfields (Division One South West)

Photography by Tom Phillips

Since her arrival at Moneyfields at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, striker Shannon Albuery has wasted no time in announcing herself as one of the most lethal forwards in the FA Women’s National League. The 25-year-old number 9 has been in excellent form this season, and has currently bagged an outstanding 25 goals in 27 appearances making her name as the league’s top goalscorer, and playing a vital role in what has been another strong year for Moneyfields FC Women.

Joining from Division One South East side Worthing FC, where injury limited her to just 8 goals in 14 games last season, Albuery has truly come into her own for this Moneyfield side. Her impact has been immeasurable, not only in front of goal, but in her overall contribution to the team, earning her four opposition Player of the Match awards and quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Albuery has delivered for her side in big moments throughout the season. A memorable highlight came in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, where she scored a dramatic last-minute winner in extra time to knock out league leaders AFC Bournemouth, a moment that encapsulated her killer instinct to deliver when it matters most. She also bagged five goals in a commanding 13–0 win in the first round of the FA Cup and made an instant impact off the bench against Portishead Town, netting a brace in just one half of football.

Her goal in a crucial 2–0 win over Bristol Rovers helped Moneyfields maintain their push at the top of the table and showed her undeniable class. Now, with two league games remaining and the team sitting level on points with last season’s tally, Albeury’s presence could be the difference earning them an improved finish from last season.

Looking ahead, her opportunities are never ending. With promotion aspirations just out of reach this season, surely a push for Tier 3 next season will be on her mind. As Moneyfields prepare for a final-day showdown against third-placed Swindon Town, all eyes will be on Shannon Albeury.