The showpiece event in the Welsh women’s domestic football calendar is upon us as Wrexham take on Cardiff City in the 2024 Bute Energy Welsh Cup final at Rodney Parade on Sunday 5 May (KO 17:25).
Here is all the pre-match insight to get you ready for the final.
The season so far
Following promotion from the Genero Adran North last season, Wrexham enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the Genero Adran Premier as they secured a third-place finish after winning 11 of their 20 league games.
Cardiff City finished nine points clear at the top of the Genero Adran Premier to clinch the title for the second consecutive season. After also winning the Genero Adran Trophy, the Bluebirds are now aiming to claim a domestic treble for the first time.
Road to the final
Both sides began their Bute Energy Welsh Cup campaigns this season with huge wins in round one, as Wrexham triumphed 13-0 away at Pwllheli and Cardiff City thrashed Llanelli Town 14-0.
Steve Dale’s side then needed a 96th-minute goal from Katie Sharp to defeat Llandudno 1-0 in the next round, before they won 2-0 over eventual Genero Adran South champions Briton Ferry Llansawel in the quarter-finals.
Rosie Hughes’ strike on the stroke of half-time earned a 1-0 victory against The New Saints in the last four, ensuring that Wrexham have reached the final without a conceding goal.
Mackenzie Olden’s brace helped Cardiff to a 5-0 win over Swansea University in round two, before they eased to a 3-0 victory away at fellow top-flight side Pontypridd United in the quarter-finals.
Mikalya Cook gave the Bluebirds an early lead in their semi-final against rivals Swansea City only for Stacey John-Davis to provide an immediate equaliser, but late goals from Molly Kehoe and Megan Bowen booked their spot in the final.
Bute Energy Welsh Cup record
While NEWI Wrexham Ladies reached the final of this competition in 2008, this is the first year that the club have reached this stage since reforming six years ago and now they are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.
Cardiff City have lifted the trophy on three previous occasions, including in the last two seasons. The Bluebirds have also been beaten in two past finals, both against Swansea City.
Head-to-head
This will be the sixth meeting between the two sides this season, with Cardiff having won all of the previous five – four in the Genero Adran Premier and one in the Genero Adran Trophy.
They last met on the final day of the league campaign four weeks ago, when the Bluebirds had five different goalscorers in a 5-1 win at the Cardiff City.
Players to watch
Rosie Hughes – Wrexham
After netting 24 goals in the Genero Adran North last season, Rosie Hughes has stepped up seamlessly to the top-flight and scored 15 across the 2023/24 league campaign – only Cardiff’s Eliza Collie got more.
That tally meant that Hughes scored over a third of Wrexham’s league goals this term, while she also bagged the only goal in the semi-final victory over The New Saints.
Seren Watkins – Cardiff City
While Cardiff goalscorers like Eliza Collie and Molly Kehoe may grab the headlines, this Bluebirds team would not be enjoying such success without the industrial influence of Seren Watkins in the centre of midfield.
The tenacious 20-year-old is one of her side’s most consistent performers and has an eye for a long-range strike too. This week she was rewarded with the club’s Player of the Season award for 2023/24.
Managers’ thoughts
Steve Dale, Wrexham: “We’ve managed to get to a final, all the preparation is done, and it’s important we turn up on the day. To bring that trophy back, it rewards all the hard work the players, staff, and supporters have put in, and we want to reward the club with the backing they’ve given us. It would mean everything to cap off a brilliant season.”
Iain Darbyshire, Cardiff City: “Everyone is really looking forward to Sunday’s game and coming to Newport. The fans are looking forward to it, and Sunday is for them just as much as it is for us. Winning the treble would be a lifelong memory, and something you can cherish for the rest of your life.”
Match officials
Referee: Cheryl Foster
Assistant Referee 1: Ceri Williams
Assistant Referee 2: Michelle Portelli
Fourth Official: Charlotte Carpenter
Reserve Assistant Referee: Katie Hannah
The Venue
This will be the first time that Rodney Parade has ever hosted the Bute Energy Welsh Cup final, while it was also the venue for last weekend’s JD Welsh Cup final.
The stadium is home to EFL League Two side Newport County AFC and United Rugby Championship team Dragons RFC.
The JD Welsh Cup Final Fan Zone, located within the grounds of Rodney Parade and free to enter, will open from 14:00pm, with DJ Kay Russant opening the show. Iconic Welsh samba band Samba Galez will get the atmosphere going with their roving performances, before local artist Macy takes to the stage to perfect.
Supporters can also enjoy food & drink from the local vendors, and even have the chance to get their photo taken with the new bespoke Bute Energy Welsh Cup trophy.
Ticket information
If you have purchased tickets to the match in advance, you will need to download and use the Cymru Tickets app to access the stadium.
Tickets are still available to buy in advance by clicking here, priced at £5 for adults and £2 for juniors.
Tickets will also be available at the gate on matchday, but for increased prices of £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.
Television coverage
The final will be broadcast live on S4C in addition to Sgorio’s online platforms, with coverage starting from 5pm. Watch with Welsh language commentary and English language commentary.
