My North Wales women’s football dream team: Mari Gibbard

One of the very best North Wales players on the current scene chooses her Dream Team today.

Mari Gibbard is 13th 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), Erica Jones (Pwllheli), Rachel Roberts (Corwen) and Beca Williams (Bethel).

Gibbard’s Girls (4-5-1)

GOALKEEPER

Nicky Davies

I have never played with or against her but I watched her play at the Island Games and she made some quality saves. Was a very important player in that team. Capped over 60 times for Wales.

DEFENDERS

Keren Allen (Stourbridge Ladies)

I played with Keren for both Bangor University and Llandudno. Very strong on the ball and has great knowledge of the game. Good solid player to have in defence but also a very good, pacy right winger.

Louisha Doran (Colwyn Bay)

Hands down one of the best players from North Wales. I grew up playing against her and she was always a nightmare to play against! We then got to team up and play together for Llandudno. Very versatile player, she can play pretty much in any position and will have a huge impact no matter where she is playing. Solid at the back and also very dangerous in front of goal.

Anest Roberts (Bethel)

Another very versatile player – she has a great defensive and attacking ability. Solid at the back and can also carry the ball very well. Scores some great goals too.

Jas Dutton (Connah’s Quay)

Lethal left foot! Very hard to get past her in defence as she is very pacy and strong on the ball. Has great knowledge of the game and is also very good in the air.

MIDFIELD

Rachel Nattrass (Connah’s Quay)

Has a great ability to see a pass. A good, solid defensive midfielder as she can provide protection for the defence and also has the ability to support the attack when needed.

Kelsey Davies (Wem Town)

One of my favourite players to play alongside. Very selfless and her pace is dangerous! She can carry the ball past any player for days and is very skillful. Definitely the best right winger from around here.

Ffion Owen (Amlwch Town)

Have been playing against her since her Llangefni days and she has always been a stand out player on the pitch. Always a player you need to look out for when you’re playing against her. Has the ability to control a game and also a threat in front of goal.

Mary Griffiths (Llanfair United)

A great player in midfield for Llanfair – she always stands out on the pitch. Has a great ability to carry the ball and control the game. Also have seen her score many cruical goals for Llanfair over the years.

Anna Jones (Chester)

Quality player, not afraid of getting stuck in and also very skillful on the ball. Has a good eye for a through ball and a killer left foot. A great player to have in your squad as she never stops.

STRIKER

Lois Regan (Bangor 1876)

I grew up playing with Lois at school and also for Llanrug, we won 2 Welsh Cups together. She is a massive threat in front of goal and is such a skillful and pacy player. I bet it’s a nightmare to defend against her!