Championship Conference not to be this season
The New Saints Women fell narrowly short of a place in the Genero Adran Premier Championship Conference on goal difference after a 3-3 draw with Aberystwyth Town.
Uchafbwyntiau ac ymateb 🎥🎤
Highlights and reaction 🎥🎤@AberTownWomen 3-3 @tnsfcwomen@AdranLeagues pic.twitter.com/uTBfXH8Bvj
— Sgorio (@sgorio) February 12, 2024
A lot of credit has to go to Greg Draper’s team for fighting for the victory right until the final whistle.
It will now be a second appearance in the Adran Premier Plate for phase two, with the target now to finish top of the Plate standings.
Caitlin Chapman
The Northern Ireland youth international was back to her usual attacking form, as the 20-year-old netted in the first minute of the game.
Caitlin Chapman whipped in a ball from 20 yards out, which Aberystwyth goalkeeper, Margot Farnes, was unable to gather, and it led to The Saints taking the lead.
Y dechrau perffaith i'r Seintiau 🟢
Ergyd Caitlin Chapman yn canfod y rhwyd!@AberTownWomen 0-1 @tnsfcwomen
Yn fyw | Live – https://t.co/q1oI2EAndW pic.twitter.com/jwNKrK60Rx
— Sgorio (@sgorio) February 11, 2024
I hope the Northern Ireland Women’s head coach, Tanya Oxtoby, has been following the Adran Premier this season, as Chapman has been one of the standout performers in Wales’ top flight.
Lia Lewis brilliance once more
Some strike, @LiaLewis7! 🚀😮💨@tnsfcwomen | #GeneroAdranPremierpic.twitter.com/heR2lFZJC7
— Genero Adran Leagues 🏴 (@AdranLeagues) February 11, 2024
Saints’ number 34 produced an absolute fantastic goal for Draper’s team before the hour mark.
It’s the second time in 2024 that Lia Lewis has netted brilliant a strike after a scoring against Barry Town United last month, which was nominated for Sgorio’s Goal of the Month.
Gôl y mis Ionawr | January Goal of the Month ⚽️
Brad Young – @tnsfc
Declan McManus – @tnsfc
Rebecca Mathias – @AberTownWomen
Jordan Evans – @airbusukfc
Lia Lewis – @tnsfcwomen pic.twitter.com/lnPZBSyXks— Sgorio (@sgorio) February 5, 2024
The recent goals contribute to Lia Lewis’ work rate off the ball that can often go unnoticed.
A goal on debut for Mel Barlow
The 22-year-old made her Saints debut off the bench against Aberystwyth on Sunday along with Wales under-19 defender, Grace Dunkerley .
Mel Barlow made it her signing prove valuable, as in the fifth minute of added on time, Barlow netted past Margot Farnes’ bottom-right to make it 3-3.
A first interview with club media followed the game.
After signing for The Saints yesterday, Mel Barlow scores a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time…#GeneroAdranPremier pic.twitter.com/BWvprX8NRo
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) February 11, 2024
Chloe Shirley returns
Finally, it was fantastic to see Chloe Shirley back playing again after getting injured against Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup (October 15th, 2023).
Following a recent injury, Chloe Shirley makes her first start since October…#GeneroAdranPremier pic.twitter.com/VMobyhvagJ
— The New Saints FC Women (@tnsfcwomen) February 11, 2024
Shirley played the whole match and did a good job by making quick passes with teammates to move up the pitch.
If Draper’s side are going to have success in the remainder of the 2023/24 season, the number 11 will be key.
Lead image by Sam Eaden (FAW)
