We head to Loughborough Lightning this Sunday 18th October (2pm), looking to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat to Stoke City at Walton Hall Park last weekend.
Stoke took an early lead and added a second inside the opening 15 minutes, leaving our Feds with an uphill task. We showed greater attacking intent after the break, with Jess Brady and Henna Butcher both going close to pulling a goal back, but Stoke added a third in the closing stages to seal the win. We’ll certainly be looking to turn that second-half response into a stronger performance on the road this weekend.
The Feds currently sit sixth in the table, with Loughborough Lightning two places behind in ninth. With just two points separating the sides, Sunday presents an opportunity for us to open up a gap on the teams below.
THE OPPOSITION – LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING
Loughborough Lightning was formed in 2021 when Loughborough University’s performance football programme joined forces with Loughborough Foxes, a club founded in 1999. After suffering relegation in their first season at Tier 3, Lightning earned promotion back to the Northern Premier Division by winning the 2024–25 Division One Midlands title unbeaten, finishing eight points clear at the top. They secured their place in Tier 3 again on the final day of last season with a 6-0 victory over Sporting Khalsa.
This season they have had a mixed start to their league campaign, with two wins and a draw from their opening seven fixtures. After opening the season with defeats to Hull City and Huddersfield Town, they beat Stoke City and Peterborough United before drawing with Boldmere St Michaels. Lightning have since lost their last two league games, including a 3-1 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion last weekend.
One of their summer additions was forward Denver Thompson, who joined permanently from Birmingham City after spending the latter part of last season with Lightning on dual registration. Lucy Mutch has also made an impact, scoring twice in their 3-2 away win at Peterborough, while Lucy Chads hit a hat-trick in an 8-0 victory over lower league Sheffield FC in the FA WNL Cup.
KEY INFORMATION
TICKETS
£5 adults
£3 concessions (60+)
£2 students (with valid HE card) and 16–18s
under-16s free
Tickets are available online in advance or on the day.
Cash is accepted at the turnstile, card payments are available at the Holywell fitness centre.
Tickets on sale via Loughborough Lightning
——
Loughborough University Stadium is the home of Loughborough Lightning Women
Address: Loughborough University Stadium, Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3GR
Kick-off: 2pm
Turnstile opening time: 1pm
Parking: Parking is available in the main Holywell Car Park on the west side of the university campus. Supporters should allow extra time to find parking and walk to the ground.
Train: The nearest railway station is Loughborough, approximately 2 miles from the stadium. A taxi or the university Sprint bus service can be used to reach the campus.
Bus: The Kinchbus Sprint service runs between Loughborough railway station and the university campus on Sundays, but services are less frequent than on weekdays. The Sunday timetable may not serve the Holywell Park stop, so supporters should check the Sprint timetable before travelling and allow extra time to walk to the stadium.
Food and drink: Available in the stadium lounge on the first floor.
Accessibility: Six dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces are available directly outside the stadium and can be reserved in advance. Supporters requiring accessible seating should contact the club at lightningwfc@gmail.com.
NEXT FIXTURE
HOME
Liverpool Feds v Huddersfield Town (league)
Walton Hall Park
We’re currently confirming the date and kick-off time for this fixture. Ticket information will be available once confirmed.