To be perfect throughout the course of the season is almost impossible, but impossible is nothing for this Briton Ferry team.
Twelve games in the Genero Adran South have resulted in twelve wins, a record that you can only applaud.
It’s fair to say this is a Ferry team full of confidence, however, not even they envisaged an invincible season, according to striker Alison Witts.
Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off
“It’s an unbelievable achievement which we are all very proud of and have worked extremely hard for. It’s not something we spoke about achieving at the start of the season, however the further the season went on the more we started to see and believe what could be possible.
As the end of the season drew closer, we saw twelve wins out of twelves as an achievable goal and it was absolutely something we spoke about and pushed to obtain. It’s a huge credit to the players, the staff and everyone at the club.”
While they did win every game, teams have challenged Ferry in the Genero Adran South.
One of the surprise packages this season have been Cwmbran Celtic. Their results against Briton Ferry improved game on game, and they almost got a draw with the champions on the final day to disrupt their record.
However, Ferry got over the line, and Witts says it’s testament to their mental resolve.
“I think the first two games against Cwmbran were very different to that final game we played against them. Cwmbran had clearly improved between the second and the third time we played them.
“They came into that game against us, seven games undefeated, I think, so testament to the work they did there. We went into that game knowing it was going to be tough, but fundamentally we believed if we worked hard and did the right things, we would get the result we were looking for.
“It was a tough and scrappy game, but what pulled us through was our work rate. We speak a lot as a club about how good teams find a way to win in the tough games and that’s exactly what we did. The result is what mattered the most to us, and scoring the winner was just the icing on the cake for me.”
Witts finished as the top scorer across the Genero Adran Leagues, scoring 19 goals in twelve games.
It isn’t just Witts who has shined this season and says fans who tune in to watch the game on RedWall+ will watch some of the brightest talents the league has to offer.
“It’s great to see that the game is being streamed on Red Wall+ and our fans have the ability to watch if they can’t make the trip to Newtown. I am sure everyone who has watched us to date will know who their favourites are and who they will be looking out for.
“However, I think the great thing about us as a team is that we have talent across the pitch. I strongly believe everyone in the side is there for a reason and has the ability to do something special to change the game, whether that is a last-ditch tackle, running their socks off for 90+ minutes or scoring a match winner.”
Standing in the way of Ferry and a perfect way to end their season are Genero Adran North champions Llandudno, and Witts knows her team will have to work hard to get a result.
“We are expecting a tough game. Llandudno have clearly had a successful season and wouldn’t have got to the position they are in now without doing something right. I think they are going to be up for it, willing to put themselves about and work hard. We don’t know too much about them, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Naturally, minds will cast back to this time last season, where Briton Ferry reached the playoff final, losing 1-0 to Wrexham.
A year later, they will play at the same venue with the same prize on offer. Witts wasn’t a part of that team last year but says the side haven’t given much thought to last year’s defeat.
“Everyone is aware that we narrowly missed out on promotion last year and that it was very fine margins, including myself even though I wasn’t directly involved. But the fact that as a club and as a team we have bounced back, stronger than last year, shows testament to everyone involved. Yes, we have spoken about last year, but not negatively, we have an amazing opportunity to put things right this year and that is what we are here to do.”
In many ways, Briton Ferry are looking to finish their rollercoaster story on Sunday, and if they do so, it will cap off an incredible journey.
With the men’s team also gaining promotion, a win Sunday would cap off an amazing year for the club, and Witts is hoping the women’s side can emulate what the men have done.
“Promotion means everything to us. I’d give up every goal I scored or assisted this year to win the play-off, I’m sure everyone in the team would say the same thing. Personally, I joined Ferry to help them get promoted. I am proud of what I have delivered for them to date, and I have my sights set on that final piece of the puzzle now.
“We’ve had our sights set on promotion for a number of years now and I excited to make that a reality. It would be even more special this year with the recent success and promotion of the men’s team.”
The Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off takes place between Briton Ferry Llansawel and Llandudno at Latham Park in Newtown on Sunday 21 April (KO 16:30).
Tickets for the final will be cash only on the gate, costing £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. The game will be available to watch live for free on RedWall+.
