Meet Team Roberts – North Wales women’s football surname XI’s
Welcome to part six of a series where we choose what we consider are the best XI’s in North Wales women’s football according to their surnames.
We will restrict selections to the North Wales Women’s League, Welsh Premier League, North Wales Recreational League and great past North Wales teams such as Bangor City, Caernarfon Town and Llandudno.
We’ll avoid girls playing in English teams as there are so many of them, it is not that easy to find details on where all of them play, and there is always the risk of leaving out a top player.
There is less chance of that happening with the leagues I am picking from – I’ve never claimed to know everyone or everything!
So far we have selected a Thomas XI, Williams XI, Jones XI, Hughes XI and Davies XI.
Today it is the turn of the Roberts XI to impress you.
GOALKEEPER
Joanne Roberts (Bangor City Girls)
Was Bangor’s first choice keeper at the turn of the millennium before Nicky Davies replaced her.
Roberts was a superb shot-stopper who did as much as anyone to build up City’s profile in the Axa Northern Division.
Hailing from the Penmaenmawr area, Jo was a keeper you could trust and she was renowned for pulling off many stunning saves.
DEFENDERS
Shona Roberts (Connah’s Quay)
Really strong and solid young defender who has plenty of Welsh Premier experience from her time at Llandudno.
Joined Connah’s Quay this season after Tudno resigned from the WPWL.
Nineteen-year-old Shona has represented the North Wales Development Centre.
Anest Haf Roberts (Bethel)
Central defender, aged 17, who has been majorly impressive since breaking into Bethel’s first team.
Won the Welsh Schools FA Under-15 Cup in 2016-17, scoring for Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen in a 1-1 draw before beating Ysgol Glantaf, Cardiff, on penalties in the final at Park Hall, TNS.
Brilliant at both taking set-pieces and attacking the ball from them.
Siwan Roberts (Denbigh Town)
Strong, fearless and determined defender who is one of the most experienced players in the current Denbigh Town squad.
Won the North Wales League title with Denbigh in 2014-15 and took on Cardiff City FC Women in a memorable Welsh Cup quarter-final.
Emma Roberts (Cardiff Met)
Former Amlwch Town player who was part of the Ynys Môn squad which reached the final of the 2019 Inter-Island Games.
Now represents Cardiff Met. Emma operates in defence, either central or full-back. Good passer and confident in playing the ball out.
MIDFIELD
Mared Roberts (Denbigh Town)
Versatile player who has operated at right-back, right side of midfield and up front.
We’ll give her a midfield berth in this team.
Anna Roberts (Ynys Môn)
Ynys Môn player, along with sister Emma.
Pacy winger who flies down the flanks, but also tracks back well. Has played for Amlwch, but more recently represented Hartpury University and Gloucestershire county.
Jess Roberts (Pwllheli)
Plays mainly in defence but can also do a job in midfield.
Sister of Stacey Sansome, who is on 13 goals for Pwllheli this season.
Jess is a nurse, who like her other NHS colleagues is working tirelessly to protect us from the coronavirus. Big shout out to Jess and all her fellow workers.
Jordan Roberts (Caernarfon Town)
Outstanding 18-year-old midfield prospect who has represented Wales.
She has won the North Wales Under-16 Cup with Bethel and also competed in the Welsh Premier League for Caernarfon Town.
Very creative player in the centre of the park.
STRIKERS
Ffion Mair Roberts (Llanberis)
One of the best forwards operating in the North Wales League.
Fast, direct and competitive, she is top-scorer for Division Two side Llanberis this term and has also played for Bethel and Bethesda.
Amy Roberts (Pwllheli)
Classy number 10 who knows where the goal is. Holds the ball up really well.
Amy has netted 10 goals in all competitions for Pwllheli this season, grabbing four in one game against Holywell.