Rovers Ladies lifted the league title after another impressive display in front of the appreciative Ewood Park crowd as they saw off Stoke City.

Goals from Natasha Flint, Saffron Jordan and Jess Holbrook secured the points for the newly-crowned champions, who were presented with the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division trophy after their latest victory.

That was the third piece of silverware that Gemma Donnelly’s side have lifted this season, following their Lancashire County Cup and Premier League Cup successes.

The biggest hurdle lies in wait, however, as they look to win promotion by seeing off Charlton in a one-off play-off against Charlton at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground on Sunday, May 27.

Donnelly’s side have retained their league title after a run of five consecutive victories and face Guiseley Vixens tonight before completing their season with a trip to Middlesbrough on Sunday.

On their success, captain Lynda Shepherd said: “It’s brilliant.

“Last year was something special. I think this year it feels different, but just as amazing as last year.

“It’s been harder this year because of the backlog of games we’ve had, so it has been difficult, especially for the older ones, like me and Danielle (Hill).

“But credit to the girls, because they just keep digging in and digging in, and for some reason we keep going behind, but we find the professionalism to get the job done.”

Rovers made a strong start to the game and could have been in front inside the opening minute, but Lagan Makin fired wide from Holbrook’s pass.

Stoke thought they had opened the scoring on 12 minutes when Cassie Hyde’s shot was superbly saved by Hill, but Emily Owen was offside as she tapped home the rebound.

Making turned provider for Holbrook at the midway point of the half, only to see her shot smartly saved by Natalia Hall.

But there was nothing the visiting keeper could do as a thunderbolt from Flint handed Rovers the lead with their 100th goal of the campaign.

That should have been 2-0 nine minutes before the break, only for Jordan to fire over when played in by Holbrook.

Three minutes after the restart though she made no mistake, turning in the rebound after Shepherd had seen an effort saved. 

Rovers were cranking up the pressure and added a deserved third on 71 minutes as Holbrook found the net.

Flint, Makin and Jordan had all gone close before that, while Makin, again, Shepherd and Alex Taylor all had chances to extend the lead before the post-match celebrations as the game finished 3-0.

The presentations then took place, which included the Rovers Ladies reserves being handed  their league title trophy.

Rovers: Hill, Jukes (Clarkson 80), McDonald, Cook, Taylor, Fenton, Holbrook (Walsh 84), Shepherd, Flint, Makin, Jordan (Montgomery 75)

Subs not used: Size, Cunliffe