Peterborough United Women – A Side on the Brink of Something Special

Photography by Darren Wiles Photography

Peterborough United Women – A Side on the Brink of Something Special

There is a real sense in the air that this season could be the one that the Posh achieve promotion into Tier 3. Everything about their campaign so far points towards a club that are rightly the favourites to clinch the Division One Midlands title.

Currently unbeaten in the league, with ten wins and a single draw, Peterborough United Women sit second in the table, five points behind the leaders Boldmere St Michaels Women with 3 games in hand. Their record at home is particularly dominant as they have conceded just one goal all season in the league on their own turf. In a division where so little divides some teams, having such a great defensive record has been a huge asset for this Peterborough side.

At the heart of their success is a squad brimming with quality and balance. Up front, Jessica Rousseau has been lethal, scoring ten goals in 13 appearances and consistently delivering in the biggest moments for her side. Her movement and composure have made her a nightmare for defenders, while her ability to consistently convert chances has ensured that Peterborough continue their incredible form.

Behind her, the midfield has been amongst the best in the league. Kayleigh Hines, who joined in November 2024 from their former promotion rivals Loughborough Lightning, has added experience and control. Formerly a Reading player having come up through Arsenal’s academy system, Hines brings calmness on the ball, understanding of the game and a wealth of experience that is a huge boost to this Posh side. She has quickly become one of the side’s standout performers and is very much a player opposition teams need to plan for.

Another key figure is Lauren Wilshaw, whose season has been nothing short of remarkable. By December 22nd, she had already contributed to 14 goals from midfield, underlining her importance in both attack and build-up play. She balances her Tier 4 career alongside her studies at the University of Nottingham which also sees her link up with Posh head coach Jake Poole at university’s First Team.

Under Poole, now in his second season in charge, the team has gone from strength to strength. There is a strong link between the club and the University of Nottingham which has helped create a pathway between university and FAWNL football.

Off the pitch, Posh women are also making noise. Their strong social media presence, including a well-known TikTok account, has helped raise the club’s profile and connect with a wider audience. They are also signs of growing professionalism with the club with them introducing player names on the back of their shirts from the 23/24 season.

Results against promotion rivals underline their promotion chasing credentials. A statement 3-1 win over Boldmere in November, alongside huge score lines such as an 8-0 demolition of Lincoln United and a thrilling 7-3 victory over Northampton Town, show they possess the ability to dominate teams in the league.

After finishing third last season with 51 points, nine off the top, this campaign feels like it could be the one for Peterborough. If they can continue their current run of form, there is no reason why the Posh Women couldn’t clinch promotion.