Wrexham boss explains what pleased them most after emphatic Swansea City victory

Wrexham Women manager Jenny Sugarman praised her side’s attacking quality and defensive work after they bounced back from defeat to The New Saints with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Swansea City in the Adran Premier.

The Reds responded in style after losing last week’s top-of-the-table clash against TNS, producing a dominant display against a Swansea side who had beaten Cardiff City on the opening weekend of the season.

Hat-tricks from Katie Barker and Faye Knox helped Wrexham secure a remarkable result, while substitute Mikayla Wildgoose also found the net with a headed finish as Sugarman’s side underlined their attacking strength.

The performance was all the more impressive given Wrexham were without first-choice goalkeeper Lucy Farrell, who is away on international duty with Wales, and prolific forward Natasha Thomas, who is representing Jamaica.

Sugarman was delighted with the response from her players, particularly the improvements they showed in the areas that had caused problems against TNS.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the performance and the result. Everything about today,” she said to the club’s official media channels.

“We said before the game we wanted to respond after last week’s defeat.”

Jenny Sugarman pinpoints key improvement after TNS defeat

While the eight goals understandably grabbed the headlines, Sugarman was equally pleased with Wrexham’s work without the ball and their ability to manage potentially dangerous situations.

The manager highlighted the team’s work during transitions, with the players showing greater discipline to ensure Swansea were unable to take advantage of inexpensive mistakes.

“One of the things that pleased me most is the transition moments,” Sugarman said.

“The work and the running that everybody did to make sure we didn’t give away anything cheap today, like the couple of moments last week, really pleased me.”

Sugarman also praised the individual performances throughout her team, particularly in the attacking third, where Wrexham repeatedly found ways to create and convert opportunities.

Against a Swansea side who had already demonstrated their quality by defeating Cardiff, the scale of the victory offered an emphatic response to the disappointment of the previous weekend.

Katie Barker and Faye Knox lead Wrexham’s attacking masterclass

Barker and Knox were at the heart of Wrexham’s outstanding attacking display, with both players recording hat-tricks.

Sugarman was particularly impressed by Barker’s movement and ability to exploit the space behind Swansea’s defence, explaining that the team had identified opportunities to get forward-facing players into dangerous positions.

“I think you saw a real variety in our finishing today,” she said.

“Some of the chances we created in the first half. Fair play to the keeper; she made some excellent saves in those moments.”

Barker’s one-v-one ability and intelligent movement repeatedly caused problems, with the forward timing her runs to get in behind the Swansea defence.

“Katie today, for her one-v-one work, to create those moments, her timed runs. She got in behind over and over again because of how well she timed the runs,” Sugarman said.

“We profiled the opportunities we would get if we could get forward-facing players that can play her in behind. It came out today.”

The manager also highlighted Barker’s contribution beyond her goals, praising her defensive work and willingness to compete in both boxes.

“At the end of the game, she’s winning first contacts, defending corners, making big blocks and tackles. An all-round performance from her today.”

Knox’s contribution was also significant, with the midfielder having been on international duty during the week as part of the newly formed Wales Under-23 side.

Her involvement with the national team provided valuable experience alongside some of the country’s emerging talent, and she returned to Wrexham to play a starring role in the victory.

Mikayla Wildgoose makes her mark after returning from injury

Wildgoose was another player to catch the eye, coming off the bench to score a headed goal as she continued her return to action.

The appearance was only her third game back, with Wrexham carefully managing her minutes rather than rushing her return to full fitness.

Sugarman acknowledged that the substitute had been disappointed not to feature the previous week, but felt the Swansea fixture provided the ideal opportunity for her to make an impact.

“We’ve been building her up. Not too much too soon for her. I know she was disappointed not to get on last week,” the manager said.

“Today was a perfect opportunity for her to come in to what was a physical game.”

Wildgoose’s goal was a reward for her work and offered a reminder of the qualities she can bring to the team, both in and out of possession.

Sugarman highlighted her competitiveness, passing range and ability to stretch opposition defences, as well as her capacity to carry the ball and contribute in different phases of play.

“She can play short with quality, but she can play beyond and stretch teams. She can carry, she’s got that all-round in possession. A wonderful header.”

Wrexham Women turn attention to next challenge

Despite the magnitude of the victory, Sugarman insisted Wrexham would not allow either the defeat to TNS or the win over Swansea to dictate their preparations for the next fixture.

The manager was pleased with the confidence and happiness within the squad after scoring eight goals, but stressed that maintaining standards would be the priority during the week ahead.

“We don’t feel one result is going to impact our preparation, our belief in what we do, or to go into a game and get a result,” she said.

“Delighted with the performance. Everyone’s happy scoring that many goals in particular.”

Wrexham will now return to training with the aim of carrying the positives from their performance into their next assignment. They face Cardiff Met, who fought back from two goals down against Barry Town United.

Sugarman also warned that the challenge ahead would be different to the one her players faced against Swansea, meaning they would need to maintain their focus and work rate.

“Back to work in the week to make sure our standards are high again next week, as we’ll face something completely different to what we faced today.”