It was a heart-breaking day at Newtown's Latham Park as a single goal saw the Reds miss out on promotion to the Adran Premier. The Ferry players left everything on the pitch as they gave everything they had in front of a huge and passionate traveling support.
The opening minutes were tense as the teams settled. Ferry took the impetus to attack and try and work the ball into the box. Wrexham looked to play long balls over the top and exploit the pace of their attacking players. As the half-progressed Wrexham had chances but Courtney Young made some important saves. The game was open with both sides having their chances.
The second half began like the first with both teams taking time to settle. Ferry started to push forward and had the first chances of the second half. It was Ferry that went looking to take the lead as Walkley and Baker both had chances. With Ferry pushing for the first goal allowed space for Wrexham to attempt counter attacks. Rebecca Pritchard gave Wrexham the lead in the 75th minute. Despite late pressure from the Reds they just couldn't find the net.
The Reds will now have to pick themselves up in time for Sunday's Welsh Cup Final against Cardiff City.
Shouts for an early penalty for Ferry as Walkley went down in the box but the ref waved away the protests.
Wrexham then had their own shout for a penalty as Rosie Hughes went down, again waved away. The ball cam back out to Lilli Jones who hit a shot from distance, but it didn’t trouble Courtney Young.
Walkley made a solo run across the box past three players to find space to shoot. Her effort went close to going in the far post but went just wide.
Lowri Baker’s good work down the right won Ferry a corner. Lucy Powell’s corner went out to the edge of the box and Walkley was able to get a shot off on the turn which went just over.
Meg Kearle had the best chance to open the scoring when she was played in on goal. Wrexham keeper Delyth Morgan out quickly to save. Chelsea Deacon tried to turn in the rebound but her effort from distance went over the bar.
Mari Gibbard was almost in for Wrexham but heroic goalkeeping from Ferry’s Courtney Young stopped her. Young took a knock making the save and Gibbard was booked for late challenge.
Young was the hero again as Hughes broke in behind but Young denied her with a fine save.
Meg Kearle sent a though ball into the run of Baker to put her clear, but Baker hit her shot straight at the keeper.
Half Time: Wrexham 0-0 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Walkley played a quality ball across the box which Lowri Baker, but she hit her effort over the bar.
Ferry then won a corner which Lucy Powell which she sent into the box. Wrexham cleared but Ferry sent the ball back in, but the keeper claimed it.
Walkley won a free kick and tried to take it quickly, but the ball was moving, and the kick was retaken. Lucy Powell sent it into the box to Deacon who found Walkley. Walkley sent the ball past the keeper, but it was cleared off the line. Baker hit the follow up, but her effort was blocked.
Walkley went close again after a good link up on the right between Fleur Jenkins and Lowri Baker. Jenkins with power and determination winning the ball and setting Baker up to cross into Walkley. Walkley hit a shot but it was straight at the keeper.
Rosie Hughes went into the box but before she could shoot Lowri Ridings came in with a tackle to stop her in the box.
Lucy Powell sent a though ball into Mollie Jones who had just come on. From the left Jones forced a decent save from the keeper.
Wrexham took the lead on 74 minutes scored by Rebecca Pritchard. Hughes sending the ball into the box where Pritchard slid in to put the ball in.
As Ferry looked to get level Walkley got herself to the by-line and put the ball across goal for Mollie Jones. Jones hit a shot but the keeper made a good save.
With Ferry pushing forward Wrexham had a chance on the counter when Hughes hit the bar from distance. She won the loose ball but put her effort wide.
Mollie Jones was sent though again but Morgan was able to turn her effort wide of the goal.
Into added time and Walkley made a superb run into the box despite being fouled on the way. Despite the advantage the ref pulled play back for a free kick on the edge of the box. Lucy Powell's free kick rattled the crossbar with the keeper beaten.
Full Time: Wrexham 1-0 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Briton Ferry Llansawel: Courtney Young (G), Laura-May Walkley, Alice Broadley, Fleur Jenkins, Brooke Llewellyn, Lowri Ridings ©, Lucy Powell, Ela Roberts (Jess Denscombe 84), Megan Kearle, Chelsea Deacon, Lowri Baker (Mollie Jones 70).
Yellow Cards: Lowri Baker 22, Megan Kearle 86.
Next Match:
Cardiff City
FAW Welsh Women's Cup Final
23/4/2023
Penydarren Park, Merthyr
KO: 12:45
Featured Image: FAW
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