Wrexham emerged as the victors in the North Wales Derby at The Rock, convincingly defeating TNS with a score of 3-1. Carra Jones netted two goals, sandwiched between a remarkable strike from Rosie Hughes, securing the win for the Red Dragons, despite a late effort by Helen Evans.
Despite their victory, Steve Dale’s side dropped to third place in the standings but managed to create a five-point gap over Aberystwyth Town.
The match began energetically for the hosts as they effectively utilized the flanks. Lili Jones passed the ball to Carra Jones, who subsequently delivered a cross to Amber Lightfoot, narrowly missing the target defended by Mackenzie Haydn-Jones.
The game had a stop-and-start nature, and Louisha Doran received a caution for a challenge on Emily Ridge, with pressure from the visiting team to show a red card. TNS had the upper hand in terms of possession, and Beth Lewis’ cross to Helen Evans posed a potential threat to Delyth Morgan.
Wrexham took the lead after creating better opportunities early in the game. Lightfoot skillfully threaded a pass to Carra Jones, who displayed composure in slotting her shot past the goalkeeper.
The hosts pressed for a quick second goal, coming close when Tonicha Dickens’ free-kick, taken from just over halfway, found Rosie Hughes, who narrowly missed the post with her header.
TNS attempted to mount a response, with Caitlin Chapman delivering a through ball to Emily Ridge from 20 yards out, but Morgan comfortably saved her shot.
In another attack, Rosie Hughes sent in a troublesome cross, and Haydn-Jones initially fumbled the ball, but she recovered in time to prevent Lightfoot from capitalizing on the mistake. Wrexham continued to look like the more likely team to score, with Lightfoot’s shot well saved.
TNS had a few half-chances to draw level, with Isobel Redding’s headed effort going straight to the goalkeeper. In the final moments of the first half, Chantelle Teare initially mishit a shot that troubled Morgan, and her subsequent rebounded effort narrowly missed the target.
Wrexham extended their lead in spectacular fashion through the influential Hughes, who scored her 100th goal for the club. Despite her earlier frustration, Hughes capitalized on a failed clearance from TNS, lofting the ball over Haydn-Jones.
TNS struggled after falling further behind, while the first goalscorer, Carra Jones, continued to pose problems. She unleashed a shot at Haydn-Jones, who had to palm it away.
Wrexham’s offensive prowess proved to be too much for TNS, as they further extended their lead. Mari Gibbard made a tackle and then set up Carra Jones for a one-on-one, which she won.
TNS managed to pull one goal back, setting up an intriguing finish. Helen Evans executed a superb free-kick, and her shot hit the post before finding the back of the net past Morgan.
Here are the lineups:
Wrexham: Delyth Morgan, Phoebe Davies, Louisha Doran, Rebecca Pritchard, Rosie Hughes, Tonicha Dickens, Amber Lightfoot, Carra Jones, Lili Jones, Keren Allen, Mari Gibbard.
Yellow Cards: Louisha Doran 5, Rebecca Pritchard 35′
TNS: Mackenzie Haydn-Jones, Beth Lewis, Nicole Samson, Chantelle Teare, Tia Lockley, Caitlin Chapman, Helen Evans, Isobel Redding, Lia Lewis, Emily Ridge, Evie Williams.
Yellow Cards: Tia Lockley 40′
Leave a Reply