Four players who caught the eye as The New Saints claim dramatic Wrexham victory
Fiona Barry was the star of the show against Wrexham. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
The New Saints underlined their status as one of the Adran Premier’s teams to watch after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Wrexham.
TNS have emerged as genuine challengers this season after finishing fourth last campaign, more than 20 points behind Wrexham.
A number of high-profile additions, including players who previously represented Wrexham and Cardiff City, have helped transform Kieran Lee Birch’s side into a team capable of competing with the league’s leading sides.
Here are four players who stood out for both sides during the game.
Fiona Barry’s stunning strikes continue remarkable scoring run
Since arriving from Cardiff City in the summer, Fiona Barry has quickly established herself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Adran Premier.
Barry scored twice against Wrexham, with both goals coming from long range, including the winner which proved decisive in a thrilling contest.
The forward has now scored nine league goals in her opening five games, while also providing two assists. That means she has already matched her previous best Adran Premier goals tally, which came during the 2024/25 season.
The remarkable part is that Barry has reached nine goals in a much shorter period this time around, with plenty of the season still to play.
Her finishing against Wrexham was another reminder of why she has been one of the standout players in the league so far.
The first long-range effort was brilliantly struck beyond Lucy Farrell, while her second showed the confidence and nerve to try her luck from distance when the pressure was at its highest.
Farrell, who has previously been called up to the Wales national team, was beaten twice from outside the box as Barry produced two finishes of outstanding quality.
If Barry continues at this rate, TNS could have one of the most prolific forwards in the league as they look to challenge Wrexham for the title.
Caitlin Chapman gives Wrexham defence a torrid afternoon
Barry was not the only attacking player to catch the eye for TNS.
Caitlin Chapman was a constant threat throughout the match, with her blistering pace causing problems for Wrexham’s defence from the opening stages.
The Gibraltar international repeatedly looked to run in behind and attack space, with Sarah Harvey eventually booked for bringing her down after struggling to contain the forward’s speed.
Chapman came into the match already having made a significant contribution this season.
She scored a hat-trick against Aberystwyth Town and had provided three assists before the meeting with Wrexham, including one for Barry and two against Swansea City.
She added another assist against Wrexham.
Chapman used her pace to beat Harvey and get into the box before picking out Lexie Harrison, who finished to give TNS their second goal.
It was another example of how important Chapman’s direct running has become to Birch’s side.
Against a strong Wrexham team, TNS needed players capable of turning defence into attack quickly and Chapman repeatedly provided that outlet.
Her performance also helped create the space for Barry and the other attacking players to make their mark.
Tiggy Webb being a rock at the back for The New Saints
While TNS’s attacking players naturally attracted plenty of attention, Tiggy Webb was equally important at the other end of the pitch.
The former Cardiff Met defender has been with the club for several years and produced an assured performance against Wrexham, making a series of sensible decisions when under pressure.
Webb was composed when clearing the ball, choosing the right moments to play out from the back and knowing when simply to retain possession or allow the ball to run out of play.
Her defensive work helped restrict Wrexham’s dangerous attacking partnership of Katie Barker and Natasha Thomas, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Haydn-Jones also making several important saves.
But Webb’s biggest contribution came in the closing stages.
With TNS leading 3-2, Wrexham pushed for an equaliser and appeared to have a late opportunity to level the match.
Webb produced a crucial clearance off the line to preserve TNS’s advantage and ultimately help secure three points.
It was the kind of moment that can define a match and underlined why the defender deserves recognition alongside her more attack-minded teammates.
Natasha Thomas at it again for Wrexham to make it five in a row
There was also a landmark moment for Wrexham despite the defeat, with Natasha Thomas continuing her impressive scoring run.
Thomas’s goal may have benefited from an error by Haydn-Jones, but it was significant for the forward as she has now scored in five consecutive Adran Premier matches.
That equals the run achieved by Wrexham teammate Katie Barker last season.
The Jamaica international’s form will be a major positive for Wrexham despite the result, although the club will not have the forward for their next league fixture against Swansea City, with Thomas away on international duty.
For TNS, meanwhile, the victory offered another statement of intent.
Barry’s goals, Chapman’s pace and creativity, Webb’s defensive heroics and Haydn-Jones’s important saves combined to give Birch’s side a result that shows to not write off TNS for a title push.
