Bute Energy Welsh Cup semi-final: Wrexham go through to set up May 5 showpiece against Cardiff City

BUTE ENERGY WELSH CUP SEMI-FINAL – MARCH 3

Wrexham 1 (Rosie Hughes 44)
The New Saints 0

One single factor decided this Welsh Cup semi final – Wrexham had the Adran Premier’s best finisher in their side, whereas TNS were simply blunt up front.

Saints had the better of the play over 90 minutes and created the most chances, but just didn’t have the confidence to find the net.

By contrast, Red Dragons’ top-scorer Rosie Hughes needed just one chance – and she took it.

Having had the better of recent clashes between the pair, Wrexham were clear favourites before kick-off at the Essity Stadium in Flint, but never dominated in the manner expected of a side that has achieved top-three status in their debut Adran Premier campaign.

Wrexham almost gifted Saints an early goal when keeper Del Morgan was caught dawdling by striker Emily Ridge, but the Red Dragons custodian managed to recover and avert the danger.

From a quick counter, Amber Lightfoot exchanged slick touches with Hughes, but drilled her shot off target.

Sixteen-year-old TNS keeper Ellie Suckley looked nervous and was only saved from embarrassment after losing the ball when Hughes was adjudged offside.

Saints should have taken a 17th minute lead when Ridge was found in space in the box, but she tried and failed to curl her attempt past Morgan, who made the easy save.

Greg Draper’s green and whites went desperately close on the half-hour when Helen Evans’ header was a goal all the way, but Phoebe Davies was perfectly positioned on the line to nod clear.

Suckley conceded a free kick in a dangerous area when she handled a back pass. Lili Jones’ free kick was blocked and from the rebound Hughes lashed over.

Ridge was through on goal in the 43rd minute but sliced off target – then came the semi-final’s most decisive moment.

Isobel Redding’s attempted clearance was charged down by Carra Jones and Hughes pounced to hammer in her 16th goal in all competitions this season.

HALF-TIME: Wrexham 1 TNS 0

Wrexham began the second half well, Suckley diving bravely at the feet of Hughes to deny the striker a second.

TNS then got back on top, but in the final third they were sadly lacking.

Evans blasted over from a great position, before Grace Dunkerley fed in a sublime low cross from the left which rolled tantalisingly across goal, but no TNS player could get a touch.

TNS’ best chance came on 85 minutes when Evie Williams crossed superbly from the right, but Chantelle Teare’s diving header, begging to ripple the net, flew badly off target.

For all their pressure, Saints almost conceded a 90th minute second when Lightfoot’s effort beat Suckley but came back off the post.

The final whistle saw the Red Dragons celebrate reaching their first Welsh Cup final under the Wrexham AFC Women title. The former Wrexham Ladies were beaten finalists in 2008.

In the May 5 final, Wrexham will meet Cardiff City, who defeated Swansea City 3-1 in the other semi.