Wrexham get over Cardiff City hoodoo to win major trophy in Ryan Reynolds era – 4 talking points

Wrexham Women claimed their first trophy since the Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, defeating Cardiff City in a dramatic Adran Trophy final.

The Red Dragons twice came from behind to force the game to penalties after a thrilling contest. Ava Suckley and Maria Francis-Jones found the net for Wrexham, cancelling out goals from Shannon Evans and Mikayla Cook, who had twice given the Bluebirds the advantage.

Despite late pressure from Wrexham in normal time, neither side could find a winner, sending the final to a penalty shootout.

Both teams missed their opening spot-kicks, but Wrexham seized the initiative when Miriam Mahmood converted her effort, and Mackenzie Olden was denied. Josie Smith and Francis-Jones calmly added to Wrexham’s tally.

Cardiff’s Hannah Power and Fiona Barry both scored to keep their side in contention, but it was Faye Knox who stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a landmark victory and securing the first piece of silverware in the Welsh domestic football season.

Maiden trophy in new era for Wrexham

This marks the first major trophy in the history of Wrexham Women.

While the club’s Hollywood owners have earned widespread recognition for their investment in the men’s side, helping propel them from the National League to the Championship play-offs, they have also backed the women’s team with significant financial support.

Maria Francis-Jones, who scored Wrexham’s second goal in the final, was signed earlier this month from The New Saints for a transfer fee. The move was historic, marking the first time a player had been purchased for a fee between league rivals in the Welsh women’s game. She justified that investment in style, scoring a superb equaliser before confidently converting her penalty in the shootout.

Wrexham have enjoyed success before, notably lifting the Adran North title in 2023, but this triumph feels different. This season has seen major backing behind the team. The Rock was purchased and established as the side’s designated home ground, underlining the club’s long-term commitment.

There have also been statement signings. Captain Jodie Bartle and prolific forward Katie Barker arrived from Newcastle United, while full international Mariam Mahmood joined from West Bromwich Albion.

This win is more than just silverware; it sends a clear message to prospective players. Ambition, investment and opportunity are all in place. At Wrexham, this is what you can be part of.

Wrexham hold their nerve in penalty shootout

It was only fitting that such an entertaining contest would be decided from 12 yards, and the penalty shoot-out certainly delivered the drama.

The first spot-kick fell to Katie Barker and, given her goal-scoring prowess this season, many inside the stadium expected the net to bulge. Instead, her effort was superbly saved, handing Cardiff City Women the early initiative.

The momentum, however, swung straight back. The usually reliable Ffion Price stepped up for City but was unable to convert, keeping Wrexham level and setting the tone for what would become a dramatic battle of nerves.

From that point on, one name dominated the shoot-out: Liz Craven. The Wrexham goalkeeper produced a remarkable display, saving Cardiff’s penalties with authority rather than relying on wayward efforts. When Mackenzie Olden stepped up for City’s second attempt, Craven subtly positioned herself slightly to the right, a small adjustment that proved decisive as she made another crucial stop.

For Wrexham, Mahmood struck hers with venom, high and beyond the reach of Ceryn Chamberlain, to edge the North Walians in front. The next four penalties were dispatched with composure, maintaining the tension and setting the stage for a decisive moment.

Up stepped Faye Knox with the opportunity to seal it. Showing composure under pressure, she confidently slotted home, sparking jubilant celebrations.

While Knox applied the finishing touch, the true hero of the shoot-out was Craven, whose series of vital saves ensured Jenny Sugarman’s side lifted the first piece of silverware available to them this season.

Can Wrexham use this as a springboard?

Wrexham versus Cardiff City has quickly become the standout rivalry in Welsh women’s football.

Over the past two seasons, the sides have met in the final of the Bute Energy Women’s Cup, with the Bluebirds coming out on top on both occasions. This time, however, it was Wrexham’s day.

The two teams will renew hostilities once again when Cardiff defend their cup crown in the semi-finals in Aberystwyth on March 8. The question now is whether this defeat in Bangor will linger in the minds of the Cardiff players. Winning breeds confidence, and Wrexham may now feel they have the psychological edge.

Attention quickly turns back to league action next week, as the sides meet at Leckwith Stadium in a fixture that could have a major bearing on the title race. Iain Darbyshire’s Cardiff side sit four points clear at the top, although they have played a game more after Swansea City’s match against Wrexham was postponed.

Should Wrexham use this cup triumph as a catalyst and claim victory in the capital, they would move within one point of the leaders with a game in hand, a significant shift in momentum. Cardiff have maintained a firm grip on the league title in recent seasons, but this year, Wrexham are mounting a serious challenge.

Record crowd for Adran Trophy final

It was a massive step forward for fans of women’s football, as the final in Wrexham attracted a record crowd for an Adran Trophy match. A total of 1,374 supporters watched the two sides battle it out, the highest attendance in the competition’s history.

That figure surpassed the previous record set in the 2024 final, when 1,088 fans were in attendance to see Cardiff City defeat Swansea City and lift the trophy.

There were plenty of familiar faces in the crowd, including Caernarfon Town manager Richard Davies. Comedian and actor Humphrey Ker was also in attendance, alongside Wrexham men’s first-team manager Phil Parkinson, all showing their support for the women’s game.

It proved to be a memorable day for everyone involved, a landmark moment for women’s domestic football in Wales. The atmosphere throughout the match highlighted the growing backing for the game and the continued rise of women’s football across the country.