TNS midfielder Helen Evans targeting Champions League spot
After surviving relegation on the final day last season, TNS have without a doubt been the most improved team in the Adran Premier this season.
After a good start to the season, a place in the top four beckoned for the Saints. All they needed to do was beat Abergavenny in their final game of the regular season.
Midfield dynamo Helen Evans reminisced about the historic day.
“We played them on a Wednesday night originally, but the game got called off at half time because the referee deemed the pitch unplayable.
“It all came down to the final game against them and we needed to win by four goals.
“The first two goals came quite convincingly in the first half, but I think we all started to panic a bit in the second half.
“We knew there were goals to be had, because we were camped in their half, but we wanted the goals to come so much we were forcing it too much perhaps.
“When Ridgey scored that final goal, it was such a relief, it was an unreal feeling.”
With a place in the top four secured, the Saints would now rub shoulders against the big three, Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Cardiff Met.
While expectations for phase two remained low, TNS went on to shock some of the big names to record an extraordinary season.
“We’ve outdone ourselves. To take six points of Cardiff Met and three points off Swansea and come out with a win rate of 50% is remarkable, we’ve done ourselves proud.”
Comparing TNS’ season to the last one is like comparing night and day. The rise and the development of the squad has been indescribable.
Asked what the big difference was this season, Evans says the belief in the squad, coupled with the talent across the field, has made for a great team atmosphere.
“We’ve learned so much this season. We’re a very young team and we’re learning every week.
“The average age of the team is 20-years old and to come out with three wins in phase two against the best sides in the country was not what we were expecting at all.
“Belief is the biggest factor. We’ve got really talented players in our team, along with young players who are eager to learn.
“The intensity in the training sessions is always there and our aim this season was top four, and we got there.”
This has also been manager Greg Draper’s first time in charge of the team, and Evans admitted the job the Saints legend has done has been remarkable.
“He’ll rinse me for saying it, but I can’t think of a better manager to have than Greg.
“He’s never managed in women’s football before; he had only just come into coaching after retiring.
“Since Andy left, he’s stepped up and he’s proven how good a manager he is.
“He understands us, he knows what we’re good at, and he tells us to do the things we do well and that gets us results.”
Attention now turns to next season and what TNS could achieve after this season.
While the top four was their ambition this past season, Evans and the squad are aiming for something bigger in the coming seasons.
“We’re pushing to get into the Champions League in the next two seasons and I think we will do that, if we keep going on the run we are currently on.
“Cardiff City will be a big test for us next season to see where we are as a club, but for us, we’re going in the right direction.”
Many of TNS’ players have starred in the green and white shirt this season, but Evans highlighted one player in particular who has made a big impact.
“Izzy Redding. She’s played every minute of every game. She was new to the squad this season and she’s put one hell of a shift in at centre-back.
“She’s been our rock at the back. Izzy is one of those girls that can read the game very well, she’s got the brains to play in that position, and I can’t think of her in any other position!”
With Redding one of many young players who have shined this season, Evans was also keen to pick out two youngsters that fans should be keeping an eye on for next season.
“I’d say Tia Lockley. She’s another centre-back and in training she’s insane. Her performance is unreal.
“Evie Williams is another one. She’s a left-back who’s also come in this season, and she kept Stacey John-Davies so quiet when we played against Swansea.
“Those two are certainly ones to watch next season.”
Evans has finally found a home in the centre of midfield after filling in at many different positions this season, and she’s hoping TNS can make the top four their home next season.
“As a team, I’ve learned how determined we are as a group and it’s such a family environment at TNS, and I think life at the club is going to get better and better from here on in.”
