Heartbreak for Tom Brady as London City Lionesses pip Birmingham City women to WSL promotion after dramatic final day draw at St Andrew's

The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports for the first time in Women's Championship history, delivered an unforgettable climax to a season-long battle. With the table-topping London City needing only a single point to confirm promotion, they got the job done with a dramatic draw at Birmingham that sealed their place among England’s elite next season.

After the interval, London City surged ahead as Isobel Goodwin and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found the net within the first 15 minutes of the second half, establishing a commanding two-goal lead over their opponents. The early onslaught appeared to set the stage for an easy victory, yet Birmingham were not willing to concede without a fight. With a determined response, they clawed their way back into contention with Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun capitalizing on opportunities, reducing the deficit, and turning what could have been a rout into a fiercely contested draw. However, their late surge was too little, too late as the Blues just stopped short of finding the winner.

London City have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years. The club, which shares its Hayes Lane stadium with Bromley of League Two, broke away from Millwall in May 2019 and have steadily built its identity as a formidable force in women’s football. This journey took a decisive turn in December 2023 when USA-born Michelle Kang took over the club, setting the stage for a complete overhaul. Investments in talent and facilities have paid off, and the club is now poised to make an impact in the WSL.

The journey to the WSL has been long and arduous for London City, but the achievements of this season have laid the groundwork for a promising future. They will be the only women’s club who do not have a men's team competing in the WSL next season, a significant achievement that underscores their rise in English football. Birmingham, meanwhile, will hope to go one better next season after finishing second in the table, much to the disappointment of minority owner and NFL legend Brady.