My North Wales women’s football dream team: Emily Jones (NFA)

A 20-year-old attacking player who first made her name in 2016-17 when her two goals knocked Caernarfon Town out of the Welsh Cup chooses her Dream Team today.

Emily Jones finished joint top-scorer for new side NFA in 2019-20 and before that represented Rhyl in the Welsh Premier League.

She is the 14th 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), Beca Williams (Bethel) and Mari Gibbard.

EMILY’S EAGLES (4-3-3)

GOALKEEPER

Del Morgan

Probably one of the best goal keepers I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing alongside. Always confident playing a game with her in goal! It was very close between Del, Yasmin Mills and Meg Roberts, all amazing in goal and so difficult to get a shot past!

DEFENDERS

Alaw Davies Smith

Played with Alaw at Rhyl for a few years and always dreaded games when she wasn’t there. An amazing RB with skill and pace. Never had a doubt she would get back to defend and make a critical tackle.

Llinos Hughes

When Lil’s on her game she is such a strong and clinical player. Amazing timing with tackles and a unique vision for passing.
She hasn’t perfected her game yet, but the amount of potential she has is huge. Star of the future that one.

Tash Matthews

Played with Tash at North Wales Performance Centre and against her in my first year of ladies football. She reads the game so well and is a nightmare for strikers. Always has you in her back pocket.

Jasmin Dutton

Strong defender and doesn’t take any prisoners. Her dad, Trevor, also taught me football from a young age and I have always looked up to Jas.

MIDFIELDERS

Left – Lauren Thomas (Blackburn Rovers)

I played against Lauren when she represented Northop when we were younger and I remember wanting to be as good as her.
She has struggled a lot with injury recently, but she was always the star of the show at Northop, scoring goals and ruling the game with her pace, skills and killer left foot. Now at Blackburn Rovers.

CM – Rachael Nattrass

Strongest CM I’ve ever played alongside and against.
Rach is a clinical player who never gives up and gives her all for her team. Such an inspiration for me when I signed for Rhyl Ladies. She taught me a lot! Have to say it was very close between Rach Nattrass and Rach Lloyd, who are both dangerous behind a free kick.

Right – Kelsey Davies

Can’t beat Kelsey with her pace. Very skillful player that again gives everything to her game and does not give up.

FORWARDS

Elise Hughes

First played against Elise when she was at Northop when we were younger. She understands the game so well and she was a pivotal player at Northop. Still a great player and not afraid of pulling screamers out the bag when it matters. Everton and Wales senior player – says it all.

Rosie Hughes

I’ve only played in the North Wales League for a year, but one player that has had a real impact on me is Rosie Hughes.
She’s got an impressive history in front of goal and definitely knows how to find the back of the net.

Lexi Crawley

How can you not include Lexi in your NW dream team? Such a clinical player and dangerous in front of goal. Confident and strong, a nightmare to defend against I reckon.