A place in next season’s Genero Adran Premier is up for grabs as Genero Adran South champions Cardiff Met face Genero Adran North champions Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Promotion Play-off at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth on Sunday 26 April (KO 14:30).
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Genero Adran Leagues Promotion Play-Off
The season so far
Six-time top flight champions Cardiff Met have responded perfectly to their first relegation, losing just once in the Genero Adran South to claim the title. Jonathan Nash’s side fought back from a goal down on the last day to beat Pure Swansea 2-1, with the league already wrapped up by that stage.
With a chance to return to the pinnacle of Welsh football at stake, the Archers will be looking to earn promotion at Park Avenue, the venue they suffered relegation at last year.
After suffering heartbreak in last season’s Play-Off, Connah’s Quay Nomads will have another shot at promotion to the top-flight. Jordan Parry’s side were 2-0 up against Pontypridd United a year ago, before collapsing late on to lose 3-2 at Latham Park.
The Nomads have achieved another unbeaten season in the Genero Adran North, concluding the campaign with a 5-0 win away at Berriew. Jordan Parry’s side only dropped points twice in the season, finishing eleven points above second-place Llanfair United.
Players to watch
Evie Chard – Connah’s Quay Nomads
Part of the squad last season when Connah’s Quay narrowly missed out, central defender Evie Chard will be hoping to be on the winning side on this occasion. Crucial to an incredible Nomads defensive record, whilst also being key to beginning attacks for the North champions this season, Chard earned a nomination for the Genero Adran North Player of the Season for her efforts in the current campaign.
Anna Houghton – Cardiff Met
Also in the Player of the Season nominations but this time for the Genero Adran South, attacking midfielder Anna Houghton has been central to Cardiff Met’s creativity since their drop into tier two. With nine goal contributions in a title winning campaign, Houghton will hope to play a significant role in bouncing back to the top flight with the Archers.
The view from both camps
Mel Barlow, Connah’s Quay Nomads: “Lifting the title again and going two seasons unbeaten is an immense achievement in itself. All the girls and staff have worked extra hard this season as it was our title we had to fight to retain. The dedication and determination of the team is what has made this extra special.
“Promotion would mean absolutely everything to me and this team. When I first joined the club three years ago, it was a goal that we all wanted to achieve. Promotion is something we all deserve and we are all ready for a new challenge in the Genero Adran Premier.”
Olivia Barnes, Cardiff Met: “The girls are feeling confident. We’ve worked hard in training over the last few weeks and I think we’re just looking forward to it now, the build-up has been quite a long time coming.
“It would be unbelievable (to be promoted), it’s such an honour to captain this side. There’s some great players in this side and some young players coming through, so to be that leader on the field, it’s an honour. After everything these girls have been through, to be part of the side that goes back up would be huge.”
Match officials
Referee: Erin Brennan
Assistant Referee 1: Katie Hannah
Assistant Referee 2: Lilah Thomas
Fourth Official: Gemma Border
The venue
Sunday’s play-off will take place at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth for the first time after the three previous Play-Offs were held at Latham Park in Newtown.
Home to Genero Adran Premier club Aberystwyth Town, Park Avenue is one of the most famous and recognisable stadiums in the Welsh domestic game.
Ticket information
Tickets at Park Avenue will only be available to buy on the gate, costing £3 for adults and £1 for under 18s.
Television coverage
For the third consecutive season, the Genero Adran Leagues Promotion Play-Off will be broadcast live on the FAW’s free streaming service, RedWall+.
