In the final voting category in the series, it is time to see who you want to see in the forward line for the Investec Women’s Premier League Team of the Season. With 361 goals scored in the league this season it promises to be a hotly contested battle for those coveted three places. Don’t forget you can still vote for the goalkeeper, defenders and midfielders who you want to include in the team.
Alex Danson, Reading: No real surprise in Danson’s inclusion on the list of contenders. The league’s top scorer with 15 goals, 13 of which came from open play. Danson is a genuine world class talent and shows that every time she plays. A deadly finisher off both front and reverse stick she has scored important goals against Leicester, Clifton, Bowdon and Surbiton as well as six strikes in one game against Olton and West Warwicks. Reading have a star studded line-up and Danson still manages to stand out.
Sophie Robinson, Beeston:
What a way to make an impact in your first season in the Premier League. Robinson scored 25 goals in the North Conference the season before and made the step up seamlessly, finding the net 14 times this season. Beeston had a comfortable time of it in their debut in the top flight, steering well clear of the relegation places. They will surely hope to build on that next season, with Robinson a key figure after a fantastic campaign this time out.
Els Mansell, Clifton: Clifton have had a fine season and whilst Mansell’s goal tally (ten goals) has played a pivotal role in that success it is also her work in the team’s tactical set up that has been impressive. Clifton defend from front to back ensuring they are a tough side to break down and Mansell’s tactical awareness and her work rate should not be underestimated. Obviously she is a fine goalscorer but for Clifton she is a lot more.
Jenna Woolven, Surbiton:
Surbiton have banged in 51 goals this season, the second highest tally in the league. Woolven was their joint top scorer with nine strikes. Her brace against Sutton Coldfield gave Surbiton a 3-2 win, she scored a vital goal in the win over Clifton and also nabbed a hat-trick against Olton. Woolven’s contribution has been impressive.
Tina Cullen, Bowdon Hightown:
A list of the best forwards around is nothing without the inclusion of Tina Cullen. The Bowdon player-coach has not played as many minutes as in previous years but has still mustered nine goals this season. She scored the winner against Sutton Coldfield (twice), Beeston (twice), Leicester and both goals in the 2-1 win over University of Birmingham firing Bowdon into contention for the playoffs at the end of the season. Cullen is still one of the most dangerous players in the league, as she has been for years now.
Becky Halle, Reading: A player who has stepped up to the mark for Reading when she has been needed most, Halle is developing a reputation as an excellent performer at the top level. Halle scores important goals: She bagged the winner in the clash with Surbiton and her strike against Bowdon Hightown secured the points for Reading as they marched towards the playoffs. Halle also took the player of the match award in the indoor final showing once again her appetite for the big occasion. It has been a fine season for the 23-year-old.
Use the poll below to vote for the three players you think should play up front for the team of the season. Results will follow later this week.