When close-knit football sisters became rivals for a day

Sisters playing for the same team in football is quite a regular occurrence, but female siblings lining up in opposing sides does not happen as often.

One of the most interesting side-issues of Sunday’s Welsh Cup tie between Wrexham and Llandudno was the first competitive game where Louisha Doran and Erin Doran came up against each other.

Louisha, 26, featured in defence for Adran Premier favourites Wrexham at The Rock, while Erin, 17, was in the Llandudno midfield.

Wrexham won the tie 1-0, but needed a 95th minute scrambled goal from Katie Sharp to see off the tremendous challenge of Tier 2 Genero Adran North side Tudno.

Louisha, who joined the Red Dragons at the start of the season, is an ever-present so far, having played in all nine league and cup matches. She has been a star turn at the back and it has been especially pleasing to see her get a run of games after many injury problems in recent years.

Erin, who has a full set of 10 appearances so far this term, scoring two goals, is in her second season as a first team regular for Llandudno. She previously captained the amazing Penrhyn Bay Under-16 side.

The sisters were in the same Tudno side last season, but Louisha decided to give top-flight football a go this campaign – and Wrexham must be so pleased she did.

Erin, who has always viewed her older sister as a major role model, said: “It was the first time we’d played against each other and it was a different experience for sure, but I think we both enjoyed making our dad (Alan) proud more than anything!

“I think we performed very well and were so unlucky to lose in the last minute of the game, but it’s something the club should be proud of as we all gave our everything on that pitch.”

SHONA ROBERTS

Another outstanding player for Llandudno at Wrexham was defender Shona Roberts.

Shona is such close friends with Louisha and Erin she could easily qualify as the third sister!

The 22-year-old Shona marked Wrexham goal machines Rosie Hughes and Ava Suckley at different stages of the game and ensured neither player found the net.

Football coach Shona is often an unsung hero, but everyone at Llandudno values her input over a number of seasons.

Reflecting on Sunday’s cup tie, she said: “I was marking Ava, but when Rosie came on (second half) I was marking her!

“I was nervous, but to be fair, we dealt with her well. We matched our pace quite well so the ball over the top wasn’t much use to them.

“I think they (Wrexham) thought they would end the game when Rosie came on but we were so tight at the back. Frustrating to concede when we did, I don’t know where the ref got 6 (extra) minutes from.

“Had a few tears after the final whistle! Pure frustration as we all worked for each other and left everything on that pitch.”

As for her form this season, Shona added: “Things are going well; the team have really gelled well under new management.

“I’m feeling really good personally, it’s been a really confident start to the season for myself and I’m enjoying my football.”