A season of hard work on and off the pitch paid dividends this weekend as Durham Cestria – the club’s partner side – clinched promotion from the NERWFL Premier Division.

A 3-0 win over Farsley Celtic sealed the title and promotion for the Wildcats, with goals from Lauren Robson, Gabrielle McConnell and Molly Holder ensuring there were jubilant scenes on the final whistle.

The title triumph is just rewards for a heap of hard work from Gareth Smith, Mark Elliott and the squad’s young playing squad – some of whom have progressed through the Wildcats’ Regional Talent Club.

And it means they will now be plying their trade in the FA Women’s National League from the 2019/20 season.

The side currently sit unbeaten in the NERWFL Premier Division and will be keen to see that record continue before the season wraps-up.

They also have the chance to lift additional silverware, as they prepare to take on Norton Ladies in the Durham County Cup final on Thursday, April 4 while there is also the matter of a League Cup semi-final.

And manager Smith is eyeing further accomplishments now the league is sealed.

“Its really good to seal promotion with three games to go after narrowly missing out last season,” he said.

“We are now on a 20 game winning streak and we don’t want to stop there. The girls aim to finish the season unbeaten and we are also still in two cup competitions – we are in the semi finals of the NERWL Cup next week and then have the County Cup final coming up.

“It’s an absolute honor to be able to work with such a great group of players and to have them in our club is great.”

Durham WFC first team manager, Lee Sanders, was also delighted with the progress made by the side in recent years and believes promotion is a worthy reward for the side.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for both the staff – Gareth and Mark – and the players, and is another step in the development of this team,” he added.

“That’s now four promotions since the 2013/14 season and gives the young players coming through the club and our Regional Talent Club a fantastic platform to learn the game in a competitive environment with our partner club Durham Cestria. 

“They’ve done themselves proud, been competitive throughout and played some good football for a relatively very young team.”