This article is brought to you in association with the Birmingham City Women’s Official Supporters Club. Learn more about us at www.bcfcosc.com
January – A return to action
Blues began the year with a commanding performance against Hull City in the Adobe FA Cup Fourth Round, securing their place in the Fifth Round after a 6-2 victory. Goals came from Chelsea Cornet, Veatriki Sarri, Lotta Lindstrom—who netted a brace on her debut—and two other debutants, Shanade Hopcroft and Asato Miyagawa, ensured a comfortable afternoon for Amy and the squad.
The first league match of the new year saw Blues travel to Portsmouth, where they emerged 4-0 winners. Veatriki Sarri scored twice, Lily Crosthwaite added another, and record signing Wilma Leidhammar opened her account in a Blues shirt.
February – Five at Forest and 8 at home
February began with a five-star display against Nottingham Forest, featuring a second-half hat trick from Lotta Lindstrom. Sarri and Leidhammar also found the net in the 5-1 win. However, league form faltered as Blues dropped points against Durham on 8th February. Wilma Leidhammar gave Blues the lead with a powerful header from an Océane Hurtre corner, but a stoppage-time free kick from Lucy Watson earned the Wildcats a deserved draw. On 16th February, Blues suffered a setback against Crystal Palace, conceding goals to Annabel Blanchard, Abbie Larkin, and Welsh striker Elise Hughes, making it an easy victory for the Eagles.
Blues responded positively in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round, defeating history-makers Chatham Town 8-0. Océane Hurtre was the star, scoring a hat trick and earning player of the match honours. The quarter-final draw set up a compelling clash with WSL leaders Manchester City.
March – South to North with two widely different outcomes
Following the February international break, Blues returned to WSL2 action and travelled to Southampton. Asato Miyagawa was the hero, scoring the decisive goal at St Mary’s in a 1-0 win to keep Blues in the title race. Midweek, Blues dropped points in their game in hand against Newcastle United, losing 0-2. A brilliant goal from Jordon Nobbs just before half-time and Beth Lumsden’s lob over Adrianna Franch secured a significant win for the Toon.
Blues returned to winning ways by coming from behind against Sheffield United. Amy Andrews put the Blades ahead, but Lily Crosthwaite’s superb finish in the 40th minute and a Wilma Liedhammar goal in the 58th minute secured a crucial victory, keeping Blues in second place. The momentum continued with a hard-fought win at Ashton Gate against Bristol City. The only goal came in the 69th minute when Sophie Ingle’s misplaced pass allowed Asato Miyagawa to set up Wilma Leidhammar, who slotted home for a vital win over the Robins.
April – 93rd minute madness and a WSL test
April opened with a pivotal win against Sunderland, marked by a minute’s applause for Paul Pike in the 18th minute. Lily Crosthwaite’s thunderous strike in the 93rd minute put Blues atop WSL2 with two games remaining.
On 6th April, Blues faced WSL Champions Manchester City Women in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals. An eighth-minute goal from Khadija Bunny Shaw ended Blues’ cup run as City progressed to the semi-finals.
The last home game of the season against Ipswich Town was an opportunity for promotion, but Blues failed to perform, conceding three goals in fifteen minutes. Outstanding strikes from Kit Graham and Princess Ademiluyi gave Ipswich the win and survival in WSL2. Fortunately, a late Southampton equaliser against Charlton kept Blues’ hopes alive. During this week, club legend Lucy Quinn announced her departure at season’s end, having made 160 appearances for the Blues Women.
May – 600 + following and champions
Heading into the final matches, three teams—Charlton, Crystal Palace, and Blues—vied for the WSL2 Championship. Blues needed a win for the title as Crystal Palace thrashed Portsmouth 6-1. Blues delivered their best performance of the season, beating Charlton for the first time since relegation from the WSL. Two first-half goals from Wilma Leidhammar—a header from an Océane Hurtre cross and a superb finish—secured the WSL2 title. The emotion among fans, staff, and players was palpable, especially for Christie Harrison-Murray, who had endured tough times under previous ownership. The new era under Knighthead brought pride and joy back to the club and its loyal supporters.
My thoughts on the season
After several attempts, Blues Women are finally back in the WSL. The emotion at the final whistle at the Valley was overwhelming for fans, former players, and the current squad. The club’s journey—from heartbreak to lifting the WSL2 Championship—is something to savour. Individuals like Christie Harrison-Murray, Lucy Quinn, and Sarah Westwood have always shown unwavering commitment to the club and its fans. The result against Charlton highlighted not only the quality of new signings but also the importance of retaining key players such as Lily Crosthwaite and Neve Herron. Promotion was crucial to keeping talent at the club. The season had its ups and downs, notably after the Ipswich game when fans feared hopes of the title were lost. Yet, under the manager, Blues always responded, exemplified by their determined performance against Charlton on 2nd May. The intensity, quality, and fighting spirit displayed will be essential in the WSL. Looking ahead, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity in squad building, avoiding the pitfalls experienced by London City Lionesses. Strengthening the back line and attack is necessary, but the current squad provides a solid foundation. For now, it is time to savour this hard-earned championship after years of turmoil for Blues Women.
The Stephen Gill Awards
Player of the Season
Lily Crosthwaite enjoyed a remarkable season, impressing both on and off the pitch. Her dedication to the club and rapport with fans have made her a fantastic ambassador for Blues Women.
Young Player of the Season
Lily Crosthwaite is also recognised for a standout debut season in blue. Her memorable goal against Sunderland provided the quality needed to clinch the title.
Goal of the Season
Veatriki Sarri’s technically brilliant free kick against Durham is celebrated as the best goal of the campaign.
Performance of the Season
The away win at Charlton, which secured the WSL2 Championship and marked the first victory over the Addicks since relegation, stands out as the team’s finest performance.
Stephen Gill KRO