Thomas treble knocks Wrexham’s women out of FAW Women’s Welsh Cup

FAW WOMEN’S CUP QUARTER FINAL – DECEMBER 18

Wrexham 1 (Hughes)
Aberystwyth Town 3 (E Thomas 3)

Emily Thomas wrote herself into Aberystwyth Town folklore with the hat-trick which sank Wrexham and put the Genero Adran Premier side into the Welsh Cup semi-finals.

Rising star Thomas made her Aber debut aged 15 in September of 2019 shortly before being called up for Wales to take part in the Women’s Under-17’s UEFA Euro Qualifying rounds for games against hosts Denmark, Russia and North Macedonia.

She has become a regular in Aberystwyth’s first team and can operate in a number of positions, but is mainly used as an attacking midfielder.

Sunday’s last eight tie at Colliers Park delivered a goalless first half, with tier 2 Genero Adran North leaders Wrexham creating the better chances.

Ava Suckley’s brilliant cross in the 14th minute had to be helped wide by Aber keeper Elen Valentine with the ever-alert Rosie Hughes ready to pounce.

Hughes was then denied by a last-gasp tackle when she shot for goal after latching onto a great Libby Mackenzie pass.

In the closing minutes of the half, Valentine kept out Mackenzie’s effort at the second attempt, then Amber Lightfoot dragged wide from a good position.

Aber were much livelier at the start of the second half, and the deadlock was finally broken on 56 minutes, Rebecca Mathias playing a long ball over the Wrexham defence which Emily Thomas latched on to before lobbing keeper Delyth Morgan.

Only some heroic Erin Lovett defending kept a buoyed Aber at bay before the hosts equalised in the 74th minute, Rebecca Pritchard releasing Rosie Hughes who finished hard and low for her 24th goal of the season.

Town were back in front in less than two minutes when Libby Isaac found Thomas, who drilled in from the edge of the area.

The win was sealed when Thomas robbed Katie Sharp and finished well for her hat-trick.

Town now advance to the semi where they face Briton Ferry Llansawel on February 19, In the other last four clash, Llandudno or Cardiff Metropolitan will take on Cardiff City.

As for Wrexham, it was a first defeat of the season in any competition after an excellent 11 straight wins. They performed well against a higher league side in Aber and no doubt have lots left to play for this season.

WREXHAM
Delyth Morgan, Mia Roberts, Erin Lovett, Lauryn Lyons (Sophie Hodson 77), Rebecca Pritchard, Rosie Hughes, Tonicha Dickens, Amber Lightfoot (Lauren McCaffrey 89), Libby Mackenzie, Katie Sharp (Ruby Jones 88), Ava Suckley (Bethan Jones 89).

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
Elen Valentine, Lucie Gwilt, Rebecca Mathias, Elin Jones, Bethan Roberts, Kelly Thomas (Jessica Baker 90+2), Emily Thomas, Libby Issac (Dani Mawle 90+1), Shauna Chambers, Gwenllian Jones, Amy Jenkins (Ffiona Evans 63).