IT IS the dawning of a new era for newly promoted Basingstoke Town Ladies on Sunday, when they kick off their Women’s Premier League campaign at their new home the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium.

The historic game against Southampton Saints kicks off at 2pm and Town Ladies, who will be wearing their brand new kit for the game, are hoping for a big crowd to cheer them on.

The summer has seen a lot of hard work to get to this point.

It looked bleak for the side in May, having just been crowned Southern Region Premier Division champions, as they needed new facilities and a sponsor in order to compete in what is the third tier of the women’s national game.

The team had to move from their Winklebury home as they needed a ground with a clubhouse and Basingstoke Town kindly offered them the use of their ground.

An appeal in the Basingstoke Gazette saw the team secure a sponsorship deal with 1 Space located at Faraday Court in Rankine Road.

Town Ladies manager Rob Quilter said: “This is a massive game for the club and we must thank 1 Space and Basingstoke Town for making it possible.

“We have had a good pre-season and now the girls just want to get things started.

“We beat Saints in the cup last season so it should be a good game to start things off.”