Joining a new club can always go one of two ways, but for Llandudno striker Stevie Donougher, it’s gone the best way possible.
Having joined from Bangor in the summer, the start of the season targets for Llandudno wasn’t quite all out promotion, but Donougher could tell early on the squad had something about them.
“Promotion was definitely on the cards when I joined. Behind the scenes, the board wanted to start making the women’s team more professional. With Jordan as manager, new players in along with the ones already here, we took each game as it came, and with the promising results that we got early on, along with our performances all season, we were confident that we could do it. We went into the season having fun, wanted to play our best football, and hoped for the best outcomes from that.”
Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off
However, as the Genero Adran North season progressed, the more it was becoming a serious possibility that Llandudno could capture the title that they won two seasons ago.
Games against Connah’s Quay Nomads and Felinheli were season defining, and Donougher remembers those battles well.
“Those games against Connah’s Quay were challenging and tough. We didn’t play to our strengths in the first game, but to play the way we wanted to in the second game and come out with the win was great. It was like a tennis match; they’ll do something big and then we’d come back with something bigger.
“That game against Felinheli will always stick with me too. Being 3-2 down going into the final ten minutes and to win 4-3 is a great testament to the girls and shows how hard we’ve worked this year.
“We’ve got quite a lot of experienced players in our team, and they all work hard. Everyone pulls their weight on the pitch, and we all trust and back each other. We said a few words to each other when Felin went ahead, but we knuckled down and managed to come through. It shows how tight knit we are, and we always want the best for each other.”
Donougher finished as the league top scorer with 16 goals in ten appearances, and now the only thing standing between Llandudno and the Genero Adran Premier are Genero Adran South champions Briton Ferry.
The Aussie admits she doesn’t know exactly what to expect from Ferry but knows whatever they face will be a challenge.
“It’s hard to say what to expect. I haven’t really kept up with the teams in the Adran South and haven’t really seen them play or anything. In a way, we’re going into the unknown, and because of that, anything can happen. They won their league fairly convincingly, they’re a team full of good players, and they gel well together. It’s going to be a battle for sure.”
Ferry’s record is formidable this season. In the Genero Adran South they won all of their games, scoring 55 goals, and only conceding five.
Donougher says looking at statistics can be a little frightening, but believes Sunday is well and truly up for grabs.
“In a way, yes, it is a little daunting. You look at that record they’ve got, and it is impressive. They train well and the management clearly know what they’re doing. But I truly feel it’s anybody’s game on Sunday. It’s going to be a good game to watch.”
Put simply, the prize up for grabs at Latham Park is massive, and each player, member of staff, and fan is aware of this.
Donougher and her Llandudno team love challenges, and are hoping by conquering Briton Ferry, that they can continue to test themselves against the very best.
“I love a challenge. For us as a team to go up into the Adran Premier, I’m all for it. As a player, you never stop learning, and I always want to improve as a player. So, to play in a higher tier and being surrounded by the top players in the country only drives us further to try and get there. We’re all ready for the challenge on Sunday, and hopefully we can pull it off.”
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+.
