The Reds are on the road again this weekend as they head to Cardiff International Sports Stadium to face Adran Premier Champions Cardiff City. The match is the first meeting of the sides since the 2023 Welsh Cup Final. The Bluebirds run out 4-0 winners on that day.
Iain Derbyshire’s side completed last season as they won the Adran Premier, Adran Trophy and Welsh Cup. They began this season well with wins in their first three games. Wins over Wrexham, Cardiff Met and TNS were followed by last weeks South Wales derby defeat to Swansea City. Stacy John-Davis getting the winning goal after 56 minutes at Swansea.com Stadium.
Cardiff have had a busy summer with Tija Richardson (Who would join the Reds), Rhianne Oakley, Seren Watkins and Siobhan Walsh all leaving. They will be bolstered with the arrivals of Fionna Barry and Nieve Jenkins plus the returning Shannon Evans and Lilly Billingham.
The Reds battled to a point last time out as they came away from Park Hall with a important away point. Reds keeper Courtney Young was sent off after 60 minutes but the Red battled on with 10 players and had chances to win the game. The point and other results meant that the Reds remained top of the Adran Premier going into this huge fixture.
With Cardiff losing their last match to their biggest rivals they will be looking for a reaction.
City have not lost back-to-back league games for two and a half years
Reds manager Rhys James shared his thoughts on what he expects from Cardiff,
“I'm expecting a very motivated Cardiff side who are looking to get back on track after last week.
“They are proven winners and even on an off day, will prove difficult to beat.
“Cardiff are a team we know that can play, be direct and hurt you on set plays.
“We've prepared correctly and believe we can go there and cause problems, just like we did at TNS.”
After battling for over 30 minutes with ten players against TNS the Reds manager was pleased with the character shown by his players.
“I was really pleased with the character and determination from the players last week.
“For 90 minutes, they gave me everything and we came away with a well earned point.
“The red card did effect the game, but we still had chances after this as well.
“Both teams had big chances and I think a draw was fair in the end.”
Cardiff have won the last six meetings between the sides but despite the history James is backing his squad.
“We know that we have to be at our best for 90 minutes but I know the players will give everything and leave it all out there.
“We've started the season well and I'm extremely proud but that doesn't stop here and we must go into this game believing we can win.”
Match Info:
Opponents: Cardiff City
Competition: Genaro Adran Premier
Venue: Cardiff International Sports Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
Entry: £5 Adults £1 Under 16's
Kick Off: 14:00
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