Sunday represents yet another opportunity for Swansea City to reach a major final.
The Swans travel to Wrexham in the Genero Adran Trophy semi-final this weekend, and for Emily Richards, it’s an opportunity the entire squad are excited to have in front of them.
“We’re really looking forward to the game this weekend. It’s an exciting opportunity for us as a squad to reach a semi-final, but we’re taking everything one game at a time, but we know Sunday will be a big opportunity.”
It’s not been the smoothest of journeys to get to this point for Swansea. Having been plagued by numerous injuries, Jamie Sherwood’s team are coming into the contest off the back of consecutive defeats to both The New Saints and Briton Ferry Llansawel.
However, Richards isn’t too concerned about the recent form, stating the squad is more together than ever before.
“We have had a lot of injuries so far this season, and a few of them have been really unlucky. However, we’ve got quite a big squad, and we have good depth here, and everyone plays their part in this team.
“We all feel very much together and as one. We’ve got a lot of strength in this team, and I think we’re more together than ever before now to keep going and try and stride to reach our goals.”
To reach their targets, Swansea will have to get past Wrexham on Sunday, who have proved time and time again to be a tricky customer for the six-time Genero Adran Trophy winners to compete with.
While never losing to Wrexham, the last four games between the two have been won by one goal, and the last three games have all ended 3-2 in Swansea’s favour.
Richards is under no illusions of how difficult Sunday’s task will be but is hopeful that her side will be on the right end of the scoreline once again.
“I think we’re expecting something similar to the last time we went up and played Wrexham. We know it’s going to be a competitive game, but we’ve been working hard over the last few weeks and we’re ready for a good game this weekend.
“It’s always been a competitive fixture whenever us and Wrexham play. Naturally, both teams want to win, but hopefully this weekend, we will be the ones celebrating and come out on top.”
If Swansea do come out on top, they will be one step closer to lifting silverware. For a side so accustomed to winning, the Swans haven’t been able to put anything in their trophy cabinet since 2022.
With holders Cardiff City, who beat Swansea in the final last season, out of the competition, Richards believes if her team continue to work hard, they can end their long wait for a trophy.
“We’re all working hard to win this competition. Regardless of whichever teams are still left in the tournament, success is and always will be our number one goal. Whoever we play against, we always want to win, and Sunday is no different. To lift the cup would mean so much to us. It would be something that would show all of the work we’ve put in has meant something.”
