Not many would have predicted that the Red Dragons of Wrexham would be battling in the upper echelons of the Genero Adran Premier in their first season in the league.
However, the reigning Genero Adran North champions have upset a lot of the league’s more established names and have made a real statement of intent.
For TJ Dickens, she pins the success of the team on their togetherness. However, when asked whether the team were thinking about the title, the midfielder gave a very clear answer.
“As a club we have great belief in ourselves and as a team we have a real togetherness so we knew we could do well, even if others maybe didn’t think so being a newly promoted side.
“No, we haven’t thought about the title at all. We don’t think too far ahead, and we take each game one at a time. We’re just happy with the good start we’ve had in the first phase of the season.”
Wrexham have been able to take points away from every team in the Genero Adran Premier, except from one. Sunday’s opponents Cardiff City.
The two have met twice this season so far, once in the league and once in the Adran Trophy, with City winning 3-0 and 3-1 respectively.
Dickens is under no illusions about how difficult the task facing them will be but knows what her side have to do in order to get one over the Invincibles.
“Everybody knows how well-established Cardiff City are as a team and how hard they’ll be to beat so taking points off them will be a tough test, but we’ll be just as focused as we are in every game to take maximum points.
“They’re a very well drilled side, each player understands their roles. And they’re a high tempo team which we know we’ll have to match. We know we’ll have to win our individual battles across the pitch.”
The game is also a big one for Wrexham manager Steve Dale, who will take charge of his team for the 50th time.
Without a doubt, Dale has taken the team to a different level, and Dickens is full of praise for her manager.
“Steve’s a great manager, probably the most knowledgeable one I’ve played under so it’s great to play in his team. My game’s definitely improved working with Steve, technically and physically. He’s a constant encouragement and pushes us to be the best we can.”
Sunday’s game between two of the division’s most exciting teams will take place at Cardiff City Stadium.
This won’t be the first time Wrexham have played in a big stadium, having already played at The Racecourse and Swansea.com Stadium. While at The Rock, attendances have been rising.
Dickens admits there’s still a long way to go in the women’s game before playing in big stadiums isn’t a novelty, but as always, is excited to showcase her and her team’s talents on the big stage.
“It’s always a great opportunity to play at the bigger stadiums.
“I have started to get used to the bigger crowds as the fans at Wrexham have been fantastic and have supported us through our journey.
“I think there’s still a bit of work to do to get more women’s games played in the big stadiums, so it’s great to get the chances to play in them.”
