badshot Lea Ladies clinched a memorable league and cup double after a thrilling finale to the season.

The Baggies had already wrapped up the Thames Valley Counties division one title when they faced Tilehurst Panthers in the League Cup final.

The match was locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, and extra-time failed to separate the two well-matched teams.

But the baggies prevailed in the penalty shoot-out, keeping their nerve to win 4-1.

Coach Jamie Norris said: “It was a very good match, played by two teams who like to keep the ball on the ground and play football – as the game should be played.

“The Panthers took the lead but we hit back inside three minutes through Becky Munro.

“In the last ten minutes of normal time the Panthers looked more likely to score again, but in extra time we were the better side.”

It capped three seasons of unbroken success for the Baggies. In their first season they won division three, and were promoted to the top division. They more than held their own there, finishing fourth – and then walked off with the title, finishing 13 points ahead of second-placed Carterton Ladies.

Next season they will make their bow in division one of the South Region – a major step up.

“From playing in a county league we will be up against clubs from across the south coast,” said Jamie.

“The girls have done so well – they are very committed, prepared to work hard to improve and they listen. Their technical ability has come on every year and we work hard as a team – last season we kept 11 clean sheets.

“Ladies’ football is in a good place – I was at the ladies’ FA Cup final at the weekend that was watched by 49,000 people. It’s growing at a good rate.”