Ahead of Wrexham AFC Women’s first away match of the season at USW Sports Park against Pontypridd United, we caught up with First-Team manager Steve Dale.
The Red Dragons claimed an important point against Swansea City last weekend, drawing 3-3 against the six-time league champions in their debut Genero Adran Premier match, under the lights in North Wales.
“It was amazing,” explained Dale when looking back at the Swansea match. “On reflection, looking back on the game we have to take a lot of pride out of that performance.
“Swansea are a well established team, known for winning titles and have signed some very good players over the summer as well.
“We knew that they were going to dominate possession but we had a plan in terms of what we wanted to do out of possession and I think the girls carried out that plan fantastically, I think it was a great advert for the game.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s test against James Fishlock’s side, Wrexham’s manager explained the need to build on the Swansea result.
“There is a lot of positivity with the result from Sunday,” he said. “However, it is important that we settle down and that we’re grounded to follow up that performance going into the game.
“Spirits are high within the camp and there has been quite a lot of buzz following the game, and rightly so because of the performance and result against a good team. It is important to make sure we stay grounded and we’re focused on the challenges to come.”
“We know they (Pontypridd) will be a strong team and that they will be coming into the game looking for a reaction. They probably didn’t get the result that they wanted at the weekend, so we know that they won’t be feeling sorry for themselves and will be up for the match.
“Being at home too, so it gives them an opportunity for a reaction as they try to get a positive result out of the game. It’s important that we match the energy levels from Sunday as we have to treat every game like it’s a big game.”
Dale concluded by explaining the importance of getting off to a good start, and praised the Club for their support since making the step up to the top-flight of Welsh football.
“It’s always important. “Especially when you start any league season it’s important you get off to a good start. You don’t want to be playing catch-up and there’s obviously a lot of eyes on Wrexham with the promotion.
“People probably want us to be at the bottom end of the table - but we’ve got to make sure that we’re focused on ourselves and prepare in the right way.
“Finally, We have to take our hats off to the club for their support to make that transition (to the Adran Premier) so much smoother, with coach travel and the overnight stays for the games that we need them for.
“It will allow us to prepare properly, and helps us to be more professional in the way that we do things and how we set up our preparations.”