Liv Fuller targets Bute Energy Welsh Cup glory with Wrexham after injury hell

No matter what level you play at, the opportunity to play in any final and get your hands on silverware is special.

For Wrexham’s Liv Fuller, Sunday’s Bute Energy Welsh Cup final won’t be her first time appearing in and end of season showcase. Having played against some of the biggest clubs in women’s football in her time in England, she has seen a lot. But an injury derailed her hopes of appearing in more big games over the border.

“I have been fortunate enough to have already played in three cup finals with previous clubs Liverpool and AFC Fylde, and getting the opportunity of playing against Everton, Burnley, and Blackburn Rovers,” she says.

“Two years ago, whilst playing for AFC Fylde, on Easter Sunday I sustained a long-term knee injury. It was an incredibly long and difficult journey through rehab, and one that challenged me both mentally and physically.”

It’s hard to imagine how an injury can ruin a player’s chances of playing against clubs like Everton and Blackburn, but that’s the situation Fuller found herself in. However, after a gruelling time on the sidelines, a chance came about to join Wrexham, a chance she couldn’t turn down.

“Initially I went to train with Wrexham during pre-season as part of my rehab programme. After speaking with Steve about the club’s ambition and vision for the future I knew this was the club I wanted to commit to and play for.”

Fuller officially joined the North Wales side in February, and fast forward just a few months later, the defender is back in a cup final. Sunday, her, and her team will face off against another historic side in Cardiff City.

A look at Wrexham’s record this season against the Bluebirds would make even the staunchest fan nervous. Five games, five defeats, three scored, 20 conceded. It certainly doesn’t make for pleasant reading, but Fuller knows form goes out the window in a cup final, and on the day, her side could spring the ultimate surprise.

“Games are always unpredictable and with it being a cup final anything can happen. Both teams have it all to play for. We have nothing to lose on Sunday. We need to go out and play for each other. We definitely deserve to get something out of this season to reflect the hard work and commitment of all players and staff.”

If Wrexham are to win, it would be their first ever Welsh Cup crown. For Cardiff City, if they are to prevail at Rodney Parade, they would complete their first ever treble. The stakes in Newport could not be any higher come 17:25 on Sunday afternoon.

For now, Fuller is happy to be back at a bright point in her career after some truly dark times, and come Sunday, she hopes her journey will come full circle with a trophy in her grasp.

“Just being part of the squad who have reached the first Bute Energy Welsh Cup final for Wrexham means everything to me coming off a serious knee injury. But winning would be the icing on the cake.”