Merseyrail Ladies have reached the FA Women’s National League Division 1 North for the first time in their history.
Lee Austin’s side have had a memorable campaign in the fifth tier of Women’s football, losing just once all season in the league and remaining unbeaten at home.
Admiral Park has been a fortress for Merseyrail this season and has been the catalyst for their domination of the league.
A recent 2-1 victory at home to Crewe Alexandra typified the success on the pitch for Austin’s side this season.
After that match, Austin said: “I’m so proud of the girls as well because what I asked of them, more commitment, more time, they have done that, and they have got what they deserve from it.”
The season started in impressive fashion for Merseyrail with three wins from their first four.
Despite an early defeat away to AFC Darwen Ladies, a remarkable nine wins from 10 followed for Austin’s side, including a 6-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic away from home.
The recent promotion has left Austin feeling not only proud of his side’s achievements this season, but for the club in general.
“This club started about 10 years ago with a dream to get into this standard of football at the FA national level.
“There were good years when we won promotion from the county and then we won division one.
“And then there’s been four years where it went stale with lots of manager changes with people coming and going out the club and it just needed that stability with people who are passionate for the club.”
Although Merseyrail have had large spells of success this season winning most of their games, next season will pose a new challenge for the club.
However, Austin is up for the challenge of heading into the fourth tier of Women’s football.
“I’m confident in the fact that we have good coaches and we’ve got the best facilities, even in the league above we can match anyone for that.”
Austin is aware it won’t be easy for the club playing at a higher level.
“It depends on several factors,” he added.
“The girls that are here can they go again, do they want to go again, what level of commitment do they want to give, what players can we bring in and how we approach pre- season?”
With games to spare and promotion already secured, Merseyrail can relax for the last few games of the season and recuperate before they go again next year.
“Merseyrail was my first ever club so coming back and injecting that passion and commitment to drive and getting to where we are is fantastic,” added Austin.
“I can see us going far still so it’s just a major plus to get out of this league and now we can kick on.”
