Malhotra takes football and marathons in her stride

Manager's Player of the Year, Football In Berkshire Player of the Year nominee and selection in the 'Since 71' Blog FA Women's National League Division 1 South West Team of the Year – not a bad campaign for Maidenhead United Women's Kajal Malhotra, who has proven her commitment and quality by featuring all across the back four Ed Jackson-Sankey's side this season.

Kajal was delighted to be recognised at the club's end of season awards event and admited: "It's a really nice feeling to pick up this award. I'm really grateful to Ed and the management team for choosing me. It is thanks to them that the team has come as far as we have this season, and to be given the award just tops off a great end to the year."

Malhotra and her teammates were one of the form sides post-Christmas and clinched survival in the division with a game to spare having racked up a mere three league points prior to the festive break.

The defender herself admits: "It has been a bit of a rollercoaster of a season, but I'm pleased that we have managed to finish strong with some great experiences, for instance playing at the Vitality stadium in front of 3,000 fans.

“The start of the season was not ideal with no manager, an incomplete preseason, and our initial results leaving many to write us of as relegated.

“However, we managed to pull it back to miraculously go on and finish with our highest ever points total. I think we have really set some foundations this year that will hopefully allow us to hit the ground running next season with the backing of an amazing management and support team."

The 23-year-old is a natural athlete, recording a 4 hour 10 minute time in the Windsor Trail Run Marathon last weekend.

She added: "A marathon has been on my bucket list for ages now, and I just thought if I sign up then I have no choice.”