Magpie and marathon runner Malhotra recognised at end of season awards

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 team-mates 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 pre-season, 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."

Kajal continued: "Personally, I'd like to think that I have had a pretty good season and have managed to make an impact on some important games. Of course, there are always moments where I could have done better or there are parts of my game I'd like to work on, but overall I am pleased with my performances this year in training and on the pitch."

And the versatile player admits that she hadn't necessarily expected to feature in so many different positions for the Magpies over the course of the campaign: "If you asked me at the start of the season I would have expected to be playing centre-back for sure. However, I have really enjoyed playing full-back this year and being given the license to push forward. It's a very different role and there's a bit more freedom - and running. But ultimately I'm happy to play wherever I'm needed.

“I do prefer right to left-back, but the running joke is that every time I think I've escaped it, I somehow ended up back on the left this year."

The 23-year-old takes that running in her stride and 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. I like the challenge of pushing myself and am always looking for a new goal. I also wanted to pick one that was outside the football season."

Latest challenge completed, Kajal will now be counting down the days until pre-season training returns.