My North Wales women’s football dream team: Rachel Roberts (Corwen)

Corwen’s brilliant young defender Rachel Roberts is the latest female footballer to choose her All-Time North Wales Women’s Dream Team.

The 18-year-old, who can play at sweeper or anywhere else across the defence, has represented North Wales and been selected for Wales Under-15s.

She is the 11th player to pick a North Wales XI, following Fflur Williams (Bethel), Chelsea Evans (Northop Hall), Abby Williams (Airbus), Gwenno Gibbard Bolton (Bethel), Lexi Crawley (Amlwch), Claire Colville (Llandudno), Cerys Gadd (Amlwch), Libby McClelland (NFA), Meinir Thomas (Amlwch) and Erica Jones (Pwllheli)

GOALKEEPER

Bethan Thomas

Top keeper. We used to play for North East Wales together and could always trust her to do a job between the posts.

CENTRE BACK

Alaw Davies Smith

A great fellow team mate and Corwen coach who I wish I’d got more game time with. Always puts in a solid tackle, speedy and scored some unbelievable goals.

CENTRE BACK

Anest Roberts

Being a centre-back myself, I often find I don’t remember the other defenders because I don’t really come 1 v 1 with them.
But I remember watching Anest and thinking she was absolute quality. Really held the back together and was brilliant running with the ball.

CENTRE BACK

Lucie White

My first choice CB all day. Played together for years now and can always trust Whitey to do the job. The most fearless, passionate and hard working team mate you could ask for.

RIGHT MIDFIELD

Heledd Roberts

I used to play with Heledd in Corwen a few years ago and she was always the team mate you could rely on being a game changer. She had a brilliant work rate and always came out with a bit of magic.
Played for Corwen throughout her youth then Cardiff Ladies, Cyncoed Ladies and currently Tranmere Rovers.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Katie Midwinter

Katie was always a player we had to keep an eye on when playing against.
She stood out for Bethesda in our games against them the season they won Division Two.
Strong, physical and could score from anywhere if you gave her too much space.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Josie Smith

Josie is the type of player you always want to have on your team. Such a hard working player.
Not only could she always pick out a pass or a finish but her defensive work rate was brilliant.
Started out as an attacking player for Rhyl Hearts, but since signing for Everton, and playing for Wales at under-15, under-17 and U-19 level, she has been either centre half or a central defensive midfielder

LEFT MIDFIELDER

Catrin Evans

Amlwch winger, absolute nightmare to defend against. Very tricky and good with both feet.
Could strike the ball from anywhere, speedy and could never read what move she would make.

RIGHT WINGER

Fflur Williams

Formerly with Llandudno and now at Bethel, Fflur is also one you always have to watch.
She is always on the move and is lightning quick. If you take your eye off her for a second she’s in behind you, and she’ll get the ball in the net.

STRIKER

Lexi Crawley

I only played against Lexi once but she’s the biggest test I’ve faced.
She is such a strong, quick player who left me exhausted after the game. Top finisher.

LEFT WINGER

Erin Maloney

The last game before Covid hit I played against Bethel top scorer Erin and I remember her making me work all game.
She is brilliant in a 1 v 1 situation, strong, fast and has a clear passion and desire to win.