Date Published: Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023 - 9:30am by Adam Angerer
Whilst the Disney camera's will be at Deeside for Sunday's Genero Adran North clash between Connah’s Quay Nomads Women and Wrexham AFC Women, Adam Angerer takes a look at the importance of this fixture and what a win for The Nomads could mean going forward.
With just three league games remaining in the Genero Adran North, The Nomads and Wrexham have been neck and neck for the whole season and on Sunday the two sides will meet at Deeside Stadium to decide who takes one step closer to the title.
A win on Sunday for The Nomads would mean they would have to secure four points from the following two fixtures where they face Llandudno and Wrexham in the reverse fixture. As for Wrexham, they can go five points clear at the top if they overcome Nomads meaning one win from their remaining games would see them become champions.
Form
The Nomads come into this game on the back of a vital 1-0 victory away from home against CPD Y Rhyl thanks to Elana Harley’s second half winner. Just a few days ago, The Nomads faced Llangefni in the NEWFA Cup at Cae Bob Parry and were ruthless in front of goal, coming out 18-0 victors with the quarter of Kirstie Kural, Shannon Hobbs, Tegan Hewitt and Elana Harley all grabbing hat-tricks.
Wrexham have scored 19 times in their last three fixtures which has seen them return to top spot in the Adran North with victories over reigning champions Llandudno, Llanfair and CDPM Y Felinheli.
Previous Encounters
It is safe to say The Nomads have had the upper hand on Wrexham since Jordan Parry’s side were formed just two seasons ago. The two teams first met each other back in October 2021 in the Adran North with Kirstie Kural netting twice to help secure a comfortable 5-2 win. Steve Dale’s side then got revenge in January 2022 as in the reverse fixture Wrexham ran out 3-2 winners at Brymbo. Three months later, Nomads and Wrexham met again, this time in the NEWFA Cup Quarter Final where Shannon Hobbs stole the show with four goals in a 5-2 victory which eventually sent Nomads on their way to NEWFA Cup glory later that season.
We have already had a taste of what to expect this Sunday as at the start of January, Nomads and Wrexham were drawn against each other in the first round of the NEWFA Cup where Nomads looked to begin their quest to retain in style. After a scintillating 90 minutes which saw both sides deadlocked at 3-3, the game went to a penalty shootout and it was Nomads who prevailed thanks to some goalkeeping heroics from Meg Robinson and a winning penalty from youngster Polly Wild-Mcgregor, so Jordan Parry and the girls will be aiming to keep up the same tempo in front of goal and gain a crucial three points.
Opposition Overview
Wrexham Women have undoubtedly caught the eye of many supporters across Welsh football for their popularity which stems massively across from their men’s team and the infamous Hollywood takeover. Wrexham Women remain a quality team which has led them to the announcement that they will be turning semi-professional next season.
Star striker Rosie Hughes and youngster Amber Lightfoot have 51 goals between them already this season and have stepped up when needed, securing impressive victories over Adran Premier outlets Abergavenny in the Genero Adran Trophy and a comfortable 5-0 victory over reigning Adran North champions Llandudno just two weeks ago.
Wrexham Women have also impressed on the youth scene, leading the Adran North U19’s league with some youngsters proving their worth in the senior team. 17 year old Lili Jones has played 7 games in the Adran North this season and has assisted on 6 occasions whilst also representing Wales at U17 level. Wrexham have also given many league starts to Libby Mackenzie, Mia Roberts, Faye Jones and Ella Clifton-Stringer who have all excited manager Steve Dale.
Over the past few weeks, Wrexham have added to their ranks during the transfer window with former Llandudno star Mari Gibbard making a move to Ponciau Park along with former TNS youngster Lily Whitefoot who has scored twice in her last two games for the club.
Just like The Nomads, promotion is the ultimate aim come the end of the season with these final three games to decide the title, neither side will be able to afford any slip ups from here so expect a real battle this Sunday at Deeside.
From the Gaffer
Manager Jordan Parry had his say ahead of Sunday’s high stakes clash:
"It's the first game you look for when the fixtures were announced. We aren’t expecting anything else but a tough game this Sunday, We know all about them after knocking them out the NEWFA Cup so we know what to expect. We understand the severity around it but to us it’s just another game and in all fairness I have a relaxed, focused and determined camp who will once again look to go into the game as the underdogs.
The mood across the camp has been bright since the return after Christmas. Collectively we have gone up a gear which is what’s expected every game. We are coming into this weekend being lethal in front of goal with an 18-0 win in the NEWFA Cup. We are relaxed and full of confidence.
Understandably with the two teams fighting it out at the top of the table we assume a lot of hype will come around the game due to Wrexham ownership. That’s only inspiring us to give that little bit more this Sunday.
However, The message stays the same from the start of the season, game by game, play like it’s your last and stay in our own lane.
There’s no pressure whatsoever on my group of players this weekend, We are looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Match Information
The game will take place at Deeside Stadium on Sunday 26th February with a 2:00pm scheduled kick off time.
We hope to see many of you down at Deeside to come along and support the girls.
For those of you who can't make it on Sunday, there will be live updates posted on our Twitter page.
