London City Lionesses Clinch Historic WSL Promotion After Dramatic Draw with Birmingham
As the final seconds of the season ticked away, the fate of promotion to the Women’s Super League still hung in the balance. In a finale as thrilling as any in recent memory, London City Lionesses secured their place in the top flight by the narrowest of margins, earning a dramatic 2-2 draw against closest challengers Birmingham City.
A moment of brilliance from Isobel Goodwin proved decisive. The 22-year-old forward, the Championship’s record signing, struck a sensational long-range goal to break the deadlock, before Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s header doubled the visitors’ lead. With 8,749 fans—Birmingham’s largest-ever home crowd—urging them on, the hosts launched a ferocious comeback. Emily van Egmond’s header gave them hope, and Cho So-hyun’s clinical volley four minutes from time set up a frenetic finish. But despite relentless pressure and ten minutes of added time, the Lionesses held firm to claim the point they needed.
Owned by Michele Kang, the Lionesses are now set to become the first independently run club to compete in the WSL. The American billionaire, who also owns Lyon and the Washington Spirit, has been outspoken about her ambitions to turn London City into a Champions League contender. She was front and centre during the post-match celebrations—carrying the trophy onto the pitch and standing alongside captain Kosovare Asllani as the Swede lifted the silverware.
“When I first came to England and bought London City, a lot of people were concerned,” Kang told TalkSport. “They said: ‘How can she do this without a men’s team to draw support and resources?’ Well, we’re proof that with proper investment and focus, anything is possible.”
Kang’s heavy backing—especially across the last two transfer windows—has transformed the Championship landscape, and it was fitting that Goodwin, reportedly signed from Sheffield United for over £100,000, delivered the pivotal goal. Evading two defenders with ease, she launched an unstoppable strike into the top corner, later telling Sky Sports: “I can’t believe it. I’m so happy to get over the line. I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life.”
The match, broadcast live by Sky Sports in a first for the second tier, lived up to its billing. Both sides had chances in a cagey first half, with Boye-Hlorkah and Rebecca Holloway clearing efforts off their own lines. Goodwin also forced a fine save from Birmingham keeper Adrianna Franch before finally finding the net after the break. Boye-Hlorkah then made it 2-0, heading home from a corner, before Birmingham launched their dramatic late rally.
Among those in attendance at St Andrew’s were league CEO Nikki Doucet and chair Dawn Airey, watching a clash between two of the division’s biggest spenders. Kang watched from the executive box near Birmingham’s owner, Tom Wagner, as the drama unfolded below.
Lionesses head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur was visibly emotional at full-time. “It means a lot,” he said. “This is the magic of the project. I’m so satisfied to give Michele this gift, this promotion. People don’t realise what she’s doing for women’s football—she’s changing the game.”
On the pitch, the celebrations were in full swing. Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell, who joined the club in 2023, summed up the mood: “There’s no ceiling for this club. With someone like Michele Kang supporting women’s football the way she does, the world’s your oyster.”
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