Forest’s Glory Night: FA WNL Cup triumph and another bold step towards sustainability

Nottingham Forest Women have once again etched their name into footballing history, lifting the FA Women’s National League Cup for the second time in three seasons with a commanding 3-1 victory over Stoke City at Walsall FC.

In a night of high drama, brilliant finishing – and a glimpse into football’s green future – the Reds showcased not only their prowess on the pitch but also their commitment to sustainability through an ever-growing partnership with E.ON Next.

The fiercely contested battle on Saturday, March 22, roared on by 1,718 fans, saw Charlie Wellings steal the show – striking twice in a three-minute spell to put Forest in control.

Her first show-stopper was blasted in the 29th minute of the match, courtesy of a slick combination between Millie Chandarana and Mel Johnson, setting up Wellings to coolly shoot home.

Moments later, she doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance – winning back possession and unleashing a swerving long-range effort that left Stoke’s keeper Lauren Bracewell stranded.

Stoke fought back after the break, testing Forest’s defensive resolve.

And Evie Priestley’s sharp effort forced Emily Batty into a smart save, while Bracewell denied Mollie Green’s powerful free-kick.

The Potters managed to find a way back when substitute Tamara Wilcock nodded home from an Arabella Suttie set-piece, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback.

But Forest extinguished any Stoke resurgence with a ruthless counter.

Caragh Hamilton’s clever layoff set up Mel Johnson, who rifled an unstoppable shot into the net, securing Forest’s third and confirming their status as cup champions once more.

Captain Lyndsey Harkin said about the victory: “It feels amazing. We set out to win this trophy. It wasn’t the best performance from us, but sometimes that is it what takes in finals – digging deep and everyone playing their part. It was a really good win. The amount of the people that have come out to support us – the family, friends, fans that are here and every week, this is for them. They travel the length and breadth of the country to support us. It is amazing. I am proud. We’ve done it before and we’re looking to go again. That is the main aim – it always has been. It’s been a good season so far and we’ve got to keep focused on that now.” 

Beyond the trophy: a pioneering partnership for a greener future

Forest’s success extends beyond silverware and ball skills.

Off the pitch, the club is continue to spearhead a revolution in sustainability, thanks to their partnership with E.ON Next.

We have been Nottingham Forest’s Official Sustainability Partner since 2021, and are the Official Training Wear Partner and Women’s Front of Shirt Sponsor for the 2024/’25 season.

But this is a collaboration that goes way beyond branding.

With an ambitious net-zero vision, the partnership has already seen over 37,000 trees planted in Kenya – offsetting emissions while fostering global environmental impact.

In an innovative initiative, an extra tree was planted for every 5,000 steps tracked by Forest’s men’s and women’s squads during October, culminating in an astonishing 504 million steps walked.

A historic leap for women’s football

Nottingham Forest’s forward-thinking ethos extends to the women’s game, with its female squad set to go fully professional this year.

The Reds will play all 11 home league games at the iconic City Ground – a move signaling both ambition and intent.

And the backing of E.ON Next ensures this transition is not just about sporting excellence, but also setting new environmental standards for football.

Looking ahead: silverware, sustainability and a brighter future

With the FA WNL Cup safely back in their grasp and a sustainable legacy in the making, Nottingham Forest Women are proving success is not just about the scoreline – it’s about shaping the future.

Whether it’s on the pitch, where Charlie Wellings and Mel Johnson have dazzled under the floodlights, or in the wider world – where their partnership with E.ON Next is making waves – Forest are a club on the rise.

With one huge trophy secured, countless trees planted and a greener game ahead, this is how we are building something special with Nottingham Forest Women.