Nicklin (pictured above, left) appeared in every game of both the regular season and the Mini-League played in April and May, scoring eight goals from those 14 games, and Bown (above, right) was also ever-present, netting six times.

The celebrations capped a successful season in which the team secured promotion through the FA’s ‘upward movement’ initiative, as well as enjoying a record-breaking Vitality Women’s FA Cup run.

Manager Andy Fisher was full of praise for both players.

“You could say these two are the engine room of our team. They graft and graft and graft, but they’ve both got real quality as well, and we can always rely on them stepping up.

“Alex only joined us from Kidderminster this time last year. I knew she would be a huge asset to us, but it’s a mark of her as a player and a person that her team-mates have given her this award after her first season. She’s slotted in so well.

“Lil is a little terrier, constantly working, running, getting in the faces of the opposition. She will play anywhere for us and always do a job. Her attitude is spot on, and I think this award recognises that. It goes to someone who epitomises what we are as a club, and I don’t think there could have been a more worthy winner this season.

"It's good to enjoy what we've achieved over the last couple of years. The circumstances mean that the players have been deprived of that 'final whistle' moment on the pitch, knowing they've won a League or a Cup, so being able to get together to celebrate is important."

Meanwhile, a strong programme of pre-season fixtures has been announced, including several matches against teams from tier four of the Women’s Pyramid.

Sunday 18th July – SOLIHULL MOORS (home*)
Sunday 25th July – WEM TOWN (home*)
Sunday 1st August – SPORTING KHALSA (away)
Sunday 8th August – SHIFNAL TOWN (home*)
Sunday 15th August – WESTFIELDS (away)
Sunday 22nd August – STOKE CITY RESERVES (home*)

*Venues for home fixtures will be confirmed in due course

“We need a strong pre-season,” commented Fisher. The League we’re going into will be tough, and there’s no point pussy-footing around with comfortable games against weak opposition, making ourselves feel good. We need to get up to speed quickly and I think some of these games will do that.

“Moors, Wem and Khalsa all play at tier four, and Stoke Reserves will have plenty of players with experience of playing in their first team at tier three.

“We’re back in training this weekend, and there’s plenty to do to get ready. We’ve got trials on the horizon and a few new signings in the pipeline to boost the squad, because we’re going to need that extra depth.”

The full line-up for the West Midlands League Premier Division has also been confirmed following the FA announcement.

The only unexpected change sees Stockingford AA Pavilion withdraw from the Division and their place has been taken by Kidderminster Harriers, meaning a resumption of battle against the team that pushed the Glassgirls so close before the 2019/20 season was cut short.

West Midlands League Premier Division 2021/22

City of Stoke
Coundon Court
Coventry Sphinx
Crusaders
Kidderminster Harriers
Lichfield City
Lye Town
Redditch United
STOURBRIDGE
Sutton Coldfield Town
Tamworth
Worcester City