SALTASH United Women joint manager Simon ‘Wes’ Westlake is delighted with the success the team have achieved in their first season since forming last summer, writes Nigel Walrond.

The Ashes won the Earthbound Electrical Cornwall Women’s East Division title with a 100 per cent record from their 10 games.

It saw them finish nine points clear of nearest rivals Callington Town seconds.

“Myself and Dave Hengle manage the team and we are absolutely thrilled,” he told the Cornish Times. “The girls have been absolutely incredible with their commitment to training and it is a huge achievement for them and the club.

“We now move into the South West League and we know we need to step up and face our new challenge.”

He added: “Myself and Dave used to manage Lakeside Ladies, and this year we have moved to Saltash, won the league and gained promotion, so it is a great progression and we are taking that momentum with us to try and move on from there.”

Westlake admitted that keeping the consistency throughout what has been a bizarre, disjointed season due to

coronavirus and two national lockdowns in that period has made it particularly satisfying.

“There has been some disruption, but when we have been able to train we have had good numbers at training, and the girls have been really consistent with their attitude and they have put it on the line.

“They have stepped up to the mark and they have raised the standards.

“It is a really good atmosphere and being at the club is a very positive experience, and we have also grown with it.

“It is very rewarding when you think your efforts have gained a positive outcome.”

Saltash are now looking to add some extra players as they prepare to tackle life in a higher league.

“Dave has got a lot of contacts, and there are also a few clubs that we notice have folded, so we are looking at that,” said Westlake.

“Dave is also keen to put in a development side at Saltash, and we are currently advertising for a development manager.

“We have got a few players interested in joining us, and we had a good training session last night with 16 people, so the interest is good.

“We like to pride ourselves on our coaching skills and ability and what we can add to training, and with that in mind we have gone from strength to strength really. We are looking for extra players, you can’t be too complacent in football, and the girls recognise they have got to work hard and they know their football.

“The challenge going up a league won’t be so much the travelling, as we do a fair bit of that already and it hasn’t been a problem.

“The challenge will be the standard of football will be higher, but we are confident the girls have got the credentials to raise to that level, and it just means we work harder in training to compete.”