Thornaby FC Women stand on the brink of a historic achievement this Sunday.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as they welcome the talented i2i International Soccer Academy to Teesdale Park for their final home game of the season (kick-off 2pm).
And Blues boss Claire Streeter has urged the town and surrounding area to rally behind the team by creating an atmosphere that will seal a victory that would secure the North-East Regional Women’s League (Northern Section) title.
Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Redcar Town last weekend, Thornaby sit comfortably at the top of the league. A win against i2i would mathematically guarantee them the coveted top spot and ensure they are playing at the highest level they ever have next season.
And Thornaby are offering a special Mother’s Day ticket offer by allowing everyone to attend for just £1, and they can bring their mother along for free.
Streeter said: “We are all really excited, it’s been a lot of hard work this season, there are many good teams in the league and we have had to be consistent in our performance every week. To finally have the end in sight is great, but there is still a lot of work to do to get over the line.
“We want as many people at Teesdale Park cheering us on. If you have not been before then come and support a local women’s team and hopefully watch us achieve something special for the area.”
i2i International are no pushovers. They are the only team to have defeated Thornaby in the league this season and will arrive at Acklam Road determined to spoil the promotion party and keep the title race alive.
The league table shows Thornaby are six points clear of second-placed Norton & Stockton Ancients (who have played two games more) and hold a significant 14-point advantage over i2i (who have two games in hand).
Thornaby, who have a trip to Norton next week, know Sunday’s encounter has history riding on it.
Streeter said: “We are up for it, playing the only team this season who has beaten us so to win the league against them would be such a huge achievement.
“We are up against one of the best three teams in the division, even without the title potentially being decided, and we want to prove we are capable of beating every team in this league and deserve to get promoted. They are a fantastic side and I’m not embarrassed we lost to them, but we also know our capabilities.”
The prospect of securing the title on home turf is an exciting one.
Streeter said: “It is all set up perfectly. Hopefully we will have a big home crowd and show the supporters what we have been doing week in and week out, we want that big finale.
“We are taking the same approach, we are well prepared, up for it, well organised, every single game matters and we wouldn’t be where we are without the other games.
“Of course, there is the extra level of excitement, desire and positivity around the club building up to this one knowing we can achieve something after the 90 minutes.”
The potential promotion is made even more significant considering the challenges the team faced last summer when the women’s team almost folded.
Streeter, whose side also reached the Adobe Women’s FA Cup first round for the first time earlier this season, said: “I can’t believe where we are sitting when you think about ten months ago. It is a little overwhelming when you think so much has happened.
“Fast forward 12 months and here we are, this close to achieving something special, it shows the power of social media, the power of sticking together and believing in what was right.
“There are a lot of people who have helped us get where we are, it is not just about the team and the girls, it is about the whole club, the whole community and those who have backed us all the way.”
