Just two games to go this season: a double-header against champions Cardiff City.
Can Wrexham sign off an historic season with a bang?
THE WREXHAM ANGLE
We'll sign our first season in the top tier of Welsh women's football off in style with a match at the Cardiff City Stadium and, while it's the toughest of assignments, there's a real appetite for this game in the Wrexham camp.
There are a number of reasons for this.
Probably uppermost is the 6-1 home defeat suffered in round 2 of the championship phase of matches: while there was obviously no questioning that Cardiff were worthy winners, Wrexham started well and looked set to give the champions a good test until we were beset by some unfortunate moments in defence.
Steve Dale's team would love to make amends with a good showing in Cardiff, but there are other reasons to look forward to this high profile clash. Their progress throughout the season has been clear, and to test themselves against the best after two assured performances against Aberystwyth is an exciting opportunity.
We’ve had some great battles with Wrexham this season. They’ve been a great addition to the Adran Premier and we’re excited to go head-to-head again on Sunday.
-Iain Darbyshire, Cardiff City Head Coach
It will also be interesting preparation for the final game of the season: our first Bute Energy Welsh Cup final.
Once again Cardiff will be the opponents, and Dale has wisely indulged in some light rotation to ensure his side reach that match in a state of preparedness. Different players have been given a run-out in the forward positions of the box midfield as he assesses his options, while TJ Dickens has completed 90 minutes after returning from injury.
The one concern arising from last Sunday's 3-0 win against Aberystwyth Town was the injury to skipper Keren Allen, who was unable to emerge for the second half. Whether this game is too soon for her or not, Wrexham will be desperate to see her lead the team out onto the pitch in Newport next month.
LAST TIME WE MET
THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Cardiff received a guard of honour last Sunday from the opponents they'd beaten 4 days earlier to clinch the title, but Swansea's hospitality ran out there and then. A second defeat at the hands of their South Walian neighbours was unwanted, obviously, but the serious business had been concluded the Wednesday before, as The Bluebirds enjoyed a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Swans to retain the Genero Adran Premier title.
Now, their focus will turn towards attaining a clean sweep of trophies, with cup finals against Wrexham and Swansea on the horizon.
Head coach Iain Darbyshire was rightly proud of his team, as he told Cardiff City's club website:
“It’s been a remarkable season for us and I’m so proud of all the players and the staff to secure back-to-back league titles. Sunday will be a great occasion for all involved and we’re really excited for it. The players thoroughly deserve to lift the title at Cardiff City Stadium.
“We will enjoy the title lift at the end of the game, but first, we have a job to do and that is to put in a good performance and hopefully, end our league season with a win. The support this season has been fantastic and we want to give back to everyone who will be attending on Sunday with a positive performance.“
Ffion Price, whose switch from left wing back to the right at The Rock four games ago led to a string of terrific crosses into Wrexham's box, articulated the excitement of a game at the Cardiff City Stadium to the club website:
"We are really excited to be playing at CCS again. It’s occasions like this that help promote the Women’s game and it means a lot to all the players. It’s also a special moment for us as we get to celebrate winning the league and lifting the trophy at home in front of our fans.
"I’m so proud of each and every player in this squad. Everyone has played their part and contributed to the success so far. We’ve worked hard to achieve one of of our three targets. We have two cup finals to go and are hoping to bring home the trophies.
"No matter what game it is, we always want to perform to the best of our ability. We always want to win every game and set our standards high.
It’s always been tough playing Wrexham. They are a strong team and demonstrate their quality on the pitch. It will be a tough game and one we are all looking forward to.
-Ffion Price, Cardiff City wing-back
"The fans have been fantastic and we appreciate their ongoing support. They give us the boost and confidence we need to grow and develop over the season. It’s a special occasion for us all and one I’m looking forward to. To lift the title is just the icing on the cake in celebrating our successful season so far."
On the opposite flank to Price, Mikayla Cook has emerged as a key player for the Bluebirds, and she told Cardiff's website that she has enjoyed what has been a breaktherough season for her.
“Personally, I think it’s been a really good season for me. I’ve really found my feet in the team and have been playing some of my best football of my career. This year definitely feels like a breakthrough season for me. I think I’ve really proven myself with my performances so far and hope to continue to do so for the big games that we have left.
“My confidence is definitely is at an all-time high when I step onto the pitch. With how well I have played so far this season, it really pushes me when I’m on the field to play at my best. I haven’t always had a lot confidence in myself when playing, but since joining Cardiff City, I’m finding that each season I play, my confidence levels are growing more and more.”
“I really enjoy and strive off the bigger occasions. The excitement of playing in the bigger games really gives me confidence and pushes me. I think that’s shown as some of my best performances this season have been in the biggest games. I’m extremely grateful that a lot of faith has been put in me to perform well this season. Having the backing of the coaches really helps and I think I am proving myself with each game I play.”
