Four days after clashing on the west coast, these familiar foes face each other again for a fourth and final time this season.
THE WREXHAM ANGLE
Wednesday's 2-0 win at Park Avenue secured third place for Wrexham, a magnificent achievement for the club in our first season in the top flight. The level of control exhibited in the second half was as pleasing as the attacking threat shown in the first, as Steve Dale's side illustrated a maturity which has developed throughout this campaign.
The box midfield Dale has deployed in phase 2 of the season continued to develop promisingly, with Brooke Cairns and Annie Small, in her first start for the club, combining superbly either side of Rosie Hughes.
With two league games remaining, it's inevitable that selections will take into consideration the importance of getting players ready for the Welsh Cup final. TJ Dickens continued her returen for injury with an impressive stint off the bench at Park Avenue, and Liv Fuller was able to play a half just 3 days after completing a full 90 against Swansea.
LAST TIME WE MET
THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Ex-Wrexham goalkeeper Anthony Williams is a busy man at the moment: he's manager of the Aberystwyth men's team, but is also interim boss of the women's side! This remarkable state of affairs came about in January when Town legend Gavin Allen was appointed manager of Pontypridd United's men's team. Incredibly, he expected to be able to carry out both roles, but the Aberystwyth board naturally disagreed!
There were definite positives for him to take away from Wednesday's loss to Wrexham. Elan Jones made her first start since suffering an ACL injury 18 months ago, while Ella Thomas followed up her debut against Cardiff last Sunday with a lively performance on the flanks: Town's main threat came from the pace of Thomas and Lleucu Mathias on the flanks.
Despite the defeat, Imogen Scourfield caught the eye, playing the first half at centre back before stepping up into a defensive midfield position after the break. She made her Wales Under-21 debut against Czechia last October and has just been named in the squad for their European Championship qualifiers in April. She told Cambrian News:
“It was another dream come true. It’s crazy to think how much I’ve grown in my footballing career especially over the last two years.
“It’s been a whirl wind of a season with Aber which I’m so appreciative of.
“However, I would like to thank Haverfordwest Academy in particular as they were a team who believed in me no matter what and they were the ones who started my journey and who gave me opportunities.”
Town Under-19s manager Roy Tourle is also delighted with Scourfield’s progress: “It’s fantastic for the club. It goes to show our development programme works.
“She’s done brilliantly in the last couple of years. She’s just gone from strength to strength. It’s a testament to her and her desire to want to play. We’re so proud of her.”