Fulham FC Women produced a blistering performance at Craven Cottage on Sunday to seal the London & South East Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division title with a stunning 6-0 victory over Sporting London Benfica.
In front of a jubilant home crowd, Ella Tagliavini and Stella Gandee Morgan were the standout stars in a match that underlined Fulham’s dominance throughout the season. The emphatic win not only secured the three points needed to clinch the title but also confirmed promotion to the FA Women’s National League Division One — the fourth tier of the women’s football pyramid, still three steps below the Women’s Super League.
Yet for a team that was only recently playing lower down the pyramid, this triumph is a clear sign of the club’s momentum and ambition.
Match recap: power and poise at the cottage
Fulham flew out of the blocks, with Tagliavini settling early nerves with a well-taken opener that broke down Sporting London Benfica’s deep defensive setup. “Honestly, that’s what dreams are made of,” she said post-match. “I knew that goal was important because it settled us down — it kind of ruined their low block. Super, super ecstatic.”
The early strike was followed by a barrage of goals, with Gandee Morgan netting a poacher’s hat-trick — two from set pieces and one in open play — as Fulham overran their opponents. “Unbelievable moments, to be honest,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting to score today — but I’ll take three when they come.”
The game was played at high intensity, with Fulham’s superior organisation and sharpness proving too much for the visitors. “Credit to Sporting London Benfica — they didn’t stop pressing until the very last minute,” said Gandee Morgan, who also paid tribute to the fans, staff, and teammates for their commitment over the campaign.
A season to remember — and a promising path ahead
Fulham’s title win caps off a remarkable season marked by attacking flair and tactical maturity. With a commanding goal difference and consistent performances throughout, the squad has shown it is ready to step up to the next level.
The win means Fulham will now compete in the FA Women’s National League Division One next season — a semi-professional tier that represents a significant step up in quality, but still sits below the Championship and Super League. Nonetheless, with increasing support and a clear development pathway, the momentum is firmly with the Whites.
Tagliavini summed up the spirit of the day: “To win at the Cottage, after so many years of hard work, is absolutely amazing. It just shows the direction that we’re going in.”
And if Sunday’s statement victory is any indication, Fulham FC Women are only just getting started.
Bittersweet backdrop: Cup Final withdrawal
The league triumph comes just days after a significant setback for Fulham FC Women. On Saturday, April 26, the club announced its withdrawal from the League Cup Final, scheduled for the following day, due to the inadvertent fielding of an ineligible player in earlier rounds of the competition.
The revelation prompted an immediate internal review, and upon confirming the breach, Fulham notified the league of their decision to withdraw. Huw Jennings, Fulham’s Head of Football Development, expressed deep regret over the incident, apologizing to all affected parties, including the league, opposing teams, and supporters. The withdrawal, while disappointing, underscored the club’s commitment to integrity and fair play.
