Pontypridd’s Jess Osborne praises resilience of her squad

The pain and heartbreak of missing out on a top four spot is difficult for any team, yet alone when a side misses out by one goal.

That was the fate of Pontypridd United this season. A 4-0 win for TNS over Abergavenny on the final day of the season meant the Dragons would compete for the Conference Plate in phase two.

It was a moment that was difficult for Jess Osborne and the rest of the team to take.

“Ultimately, the aim was to get top four and when we didn’t get there, as a squad we took it pretty hard, especially in the first week.

“It was a tough pill to swallow, but when we regrouped, we say we now had to be the best team our group.”

The pain was harder as the team wanted to give back to the staff who work so hard behind the scenes.

“We had to pick ourselves back up after phase one, and it was tough, because we all know how much it would have meant to the club.

“The club is run by a group of women, they put all their time into it, and getting into the top four would be our way of giving back to them.”

Ponty did regroup well and went on to win the Conference Plate for the second successive season, going unbeaten in the process.

It would have been easy for the team to wilt, especially after not reaching their target from the beginning of the season, but Osborne was quick to praise the mental fortitude of her side.

“That’s what we are, we are a tough group. We’re all like best friends in that team and that’s why we are so emotionally invested in this club.

“It doesn’t matter if you go unbeaten, if you win trophies, if you’re playing in the Champions League, having the group that we have is something we will always pride ourselves on.”

For Osborne, as well as playing for Pontypridd, she is also the U14s coach for the FAW Girls’ Academy.

Combining both roles has at times been a balancing act for the Dragon, but her love and passion for both roles was clear to see.

“The kick offs for the academy is at 11am, so sometimes it is a mad rush, and people tell me I’m mad for doing both, I’m just lucky I don’t have a big pre-match routine or anything!

“Ultimately, I know I’m playing a part in the development of these girls, but I also love playing for Ponty, so I’ve tried to cater for both this season.

“I was luckily able to play more games in phase two and get more minutes under my belt. I love the academy and I give both them and the team 100% of my focus.

“What we’ve done with the girls and what we’ve achieved this season has been really rewarding. It’s definitely worth the tired weeks!”

Along with coaching stars for the future, Osborne also plays alongside some of the brightest talents in the league, and when asked who her player of the season was, she only had one player in mind.

“Liv Francis. She was at the FAW Academy last season, but I didn’t see much of her.

“This season she’s transitioned into women’s football, and she’s someone who wasn’t going to accept sitting on the bench. That’s what I love most about her, everything has to be a competition in a way.

“She wants to develop, she wants to progress, she wants to use her strength, and ultimately, she wants to score goals. I never want to go up against her in training, she’s so quick!

“But she isn’t just good at getting in behind the defence. She will drop back, she will help in with defending, she’s great.

“I’m glad she’s getting the praise that she deserves this season and I hope she wins the award from the league.”

Along with Francis, Osborne named two other stars that fans of the Adran Premier should be keeping an eye on for next season.

“Evie Hughes is certainly one to look out for. She’s transitioned across from Cardiff City, and although she’s only played six games for us so far, you can see her quality. She’s a very confident player who’s always looking to do well.

“Efa Preece-Jones is another one. She’s got a great left foot and she’s really competitive too.”

When looking back on her season, Osborne reflected on her attributes on and off the pitch and is looking forward to helping develop the young talent at the club.

“I’ve learned that I don’t always need to be on the pitch to have an impact. I love playing and I obviously want to be playing, but if I’m not, it’s how I can help around the squad.

“I want to take the younger players under my wing and how can I challenge them to be better.”

Featured Image: Perry Dobbins