FAWNL: Nottingham Forest crowned champions of Premier League North with convincing win | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest knew it would take a lot for them to be unrooted from the top spot of the 2024/25 FA Women’s National League North. The odds were firmly in their favor to lift the title.

The home fans had a lot to cheer for as Nottingham convincingly saw off West Bromwich Albion with a 7-2 win at the City Ground. Striker Melissa Johnson bagged four goals on the day. The victory sees the Reds climb to the second tier of UK women’s football, the Championship.

Starting XIs

Nottingham Forest Women

Batty, Harkin, N Johnson, Longhurst, Domingo, M Johnson, Manders, Wellings, Olding, Green, Thomas.

West Bromwich Albion Women

Johnson, Sharp, Green, Oliver, George, Rabjohn, Evans, May, Warner, Mahmood, Rhodes.

First half: Forest weather the storm and take control

The Nottingham Forest Women squad huddles up before facing West Bromwich Albion at the City Ground on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

Forest started nervously, and West Brom took full advantage by scoring early on. The visitors made it 1-0 and temporarily looked to spoil the party. Phoebe Warner was played through on goal, finding the bottom corner with a strong strike.

Forest rallied, creating chances to level the score as Melissa Johnson and Sophie Domingo both came close to an equaliser. Then, after some slick passing on the right-hand side of the West Brom penalty area, a late challenge on Nat Johnson saw a penalty correctly awarded.

With ten minutes remaining in the first half, fan favourite Charlie Wellings stepped up from 12 yards to slot home the equaliser.

Charlie Wellings celebrates with Nottingham Forest teammates after equalizing against West Bromwich Albion at the City Ground on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

On the stroke of halftime, the Reds took the lead and settled any nerves. A free kick routine straight off the training ground saw a Wellings strike parried into the path of Domingo. She lifted her shot over the keeper and made it 2-1.

Baggies keeper Lavarna Johnson was later taken off with a neck injury. West Brom captain Hannah George had to step in as keeper for the remainder of the match.

Second half: Forest run riot to seal promotion

Blue skies linger over the City Ground on the final day in the 2024/25 Northern Premier Division. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

The West Brom players came out looking defiant for a second-half battle, but Forest had other ideas. Melissa Johnson lobbed the goalkeeper to make it 3-1 with a superb finish.

Johnson quickly added the fourth for Forest. Her second goal of the match found the net with a stunning finish. The home fans were now able to see the trophy lift in sight, and the party atmosphere started inside the stadium.

Nottingham Forest home fans look on in anticipation during the team’s FAWNL clash against West Bromwich Albion on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

Trentside saw more goals in a second-half flurry as Holly Manders netted a fifth of the sunny afternoon with a brilliant header.

With 20 minutes to go, Forest added their sixth and Johnson claimed her hat-trick. The striker was in fine form as she won the ball back from the keeper and tapped home. But fair play to West Brom, as they didn’t give up and added a second. A stunning strike from distance deceived Batty in the Forest goal and made it 6-2.

Looking ahead: Building for life in the Championship

Forest brought on fresh legs, but it was the irrepressible Johnson who scored her fourth of the tie as the side claimed an 18th win of the season. The victory sees the Reds secure promotion to the Women’s Championship.

Nottingham Forest head coach Carly Davies and assistant coach Jay Denny hold the 2024/25 FA Women’s National League North trophy. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

It will be an exciting summer for Nottingham, who will hope to keep their best players. However, with contracts ending for some, significant squad changes are likely to follow. These adjustments will come before they compete alongside other teams aiming for the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League.

The 2024/25 FAWNL Northern Premier Division trophy takes its place at the City Ground. (Photo by Lucy Jones)

Editor’s note: All images are courtesy of writer/photographer Lucy Jones (@KickinItWithLucy on Instagram).

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