soccer

Wrexham beat Cardiff on penalties to lift Adran Trophy

Wrexham were making their first appearance in the Adran Trophy final [FAW]

Goalkeeper Liz Craven's penalty shootout heroics helped Wrexham lift the Adran Trophy for the first time.

The Red Dragons came from behind against Cardiff City to level 2-2 and force penalties in the final at Bangor City Stadium.

And when cool heads were needed, it was Wrexham who converted four spot-kicks while Craven saved Cardiff's first two efforts to clinch a 4-2 win in the shootout.

The league rivals will meet again in the Adran Premier in just six days, while they will also compete for a place in the Welsh Cup final next month.

Cardiff had been looking to repeat their 2024 treble heroics in head coach Iain Darbyshire last season, and are four points clear of Wrexham at the top of the Adran Premier.

But defeat means Wrexham are now still in the hunt for all three trophies.

Shannon Evans handed Cardiff a perfect start when she headed home Mackenzie Olden's corner after just six minutes.

Wrexham hit back 20 minutes later when Josie Smith picked out Ava Suckely who skilfully lobbed goalkeeper Ceryn Chamberlain.

Cardiff restored their lead in first-half injury time when Olden's free-kick crashed off the crossbar and into the path of Mikayla Cook, who coolly slotted home.

The Bluebirds looked to be heading for victory until new signing Maria Francis-Jones showed her international pedigree and produced a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, with the ball sailing into the top left corner.

With the game going straight to penalties, Katie Barker stepped up first for Wrexham, only to be denied by Chamberlain.

Ffion Price and Mackenzie Olden both had their efforts saved by Craven, while Wrexham were on target with Mariam Mahmood and Josie Smith.

Cardiff skipper Hannah Power and Ffion Barry got Cardiff on the board, but two excellent strikes from Wales defender Francis-Jones and Faye Knox sealed the win for Wrexham.

Wrexham head coach Jenny Sugarman said: "I'm absolutely delighted. This group of players and staff, the supporters, this club, every single one of them, they put so much faith and belief in us and we're just so happy to repay them.

"To come from behind twice, this team doesn't give up.

"We're so grateful for the support, hopefully they will want to keep coming back after what they've seen today, it was just a fantastic game."

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