Harris revels in Caldicot Town Ladies promotion

Caldicot Town Ladies manager Luke Harris has said how honoured he is to take his local side to the Welsh Premier Womens League after their 3-3 draw with Pen-Y-Bont.

After being in coaching for a total of just two years, Harris has his first major honour as a manager in which he puts down to his side that he has assembled.

“It’s an amazing feeling and it hasn’t really set in yet. I’m honoured to do such a big thing for my local football club and couldn’t have done it without the hard work and commitment from the girls I have. It’s without a doubt it’s the biggest achievement for me to date.”

Going in to the game, the visitors only needed a point at Pen-Y-Bont’s KYCOM Stadium aand a point is what they came away with. Caldicot have been relatively conservative this season in that they aren’t statistically the best attack or defence in the division but they have found a winning formula and that is how they have become the Champions of the South Wales Womens and Girls League.

“My team talk before the game was to go out and win. Work hard, Keep shape, Press together & we will win. The goals we conceded come from a penalty & a free-kick which was frustrating because I don’t think they had a shot on goal for 70 minutes of the game. But that’s how football goes sometimes and we got what we deserved.”

With promotion to the top flight of Womens football in Wales, Caldicot will now be able to battle with some of the best clubs in Wales, including current league leaders Swansea City who have had a great season with a possible double on the horizon.

“It’s great for the community to have Caldicot Town in the premier. For everyone to watch there local side play the likes of Swansea City & Cardiff City is epic.

Being promoted to the Premier league will definitely put Caldicot Town on the map. We are already we are getting a lot of interest from other players & also people who live locally asking when match days are to come and support. I will keep promoting us as a football club and try and get as many girls in the area playing football.

One player who has been influential in Caldicot Town’s promotion is Shauna Petney who signed for Caldicot most recently. Shauna won the Player of the Month award for Caldicot back in February and Harris has sung the praises of his trusted midfielder.

“With Shauna Pentney coming on board she added that bit of stability I think the side needed. She’s calm on the ball, reads the game very well & Controls the midfield with the different pass range she has.”

As celebrations will go on for some time for Caldicot, they do have a final to think about next month as they aim to seek revenge on Dinas Powys Ladies on the 30th April in the South Wales FA Cup.

“I’m confident the side will staying committed and keeping focused over the next few weeks before the South Wales FA Cup Final. We will continue to train hard and will also plan some friendlies just to keep us nice and sharp and hopefully the hard work pays off again and we come away with another trophy.”