Jodie Bartle urges Wrexham fans to play their part in historic clash against Riga

Wrexham captain Jodie Bartle and boss Jenny Sugarman are hoping the crowd turn up in their numbers again ahead of Saturday evening’s UEFA Women’s Champions League First Qualifying Round Final against Riga.

Over 1,500 saw The Red Dragons make history at the Racecourse on Wednesday, as they triumphed 4-2 over FC Pyunik on their debut in European competition.

They now have the chance to become the first ever Welsh side to make the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with Latvian champions Riga stood in their way. 

“We know that it’s going to be a tough game,” Bartle said. “We can never underestimate any team in this competition. They are the best team in their country and therefore we know it’s going to be a tough test. 

“They will be very different to Pyunik, but the staff here deserve huge credit. They have worked tirelessly to turn things around and provide us with as much information as they possibly can.”

Bartle has urged those who missed out on a special moment on Wednesday night, to potentially witness more history in North Wales against the Latvian side. 

“Come and watch us and come and support us. You could have been part of history on Wednesday, but if you didn’t come to that, then you do not want to miss this on Saturday.

“We are an exciting team to watch. We score goals, and we’ve never had a game where we haven’t scored under Jenny’s tenure. There will be excitement and there will be a buzz around the place.  

“Our fans really do make a difference. They are our twelfth player, and you absolutely want to be part of history.” 

Wrexham boss Sugarman emphasised the importance of the fans in helping The Red Dragons get over the line, and just how significant they are to this Wrexham side, especially if they go behind in a game like they did against Pyunik. 

“It inspired and motivated us and pushed us on,” Sugarman explained. “Scoring so quickly after going behind. The first thing that happens when we concede is that the crowd get louder. That’s something for the players, that they don’t let them rest on that moment, because they’ve got the crowd there behind them.”