Mariam Mahmood scored twice as Wrexham thrashed bottom-of-the-table Pontypridd United 6-1 in the Adran Premier at the weekend – and she was more pleased with the team display than her own goal tally.
In fact, the Pakistan international said it was the ideal way for Jenny Sugarman’s side to bounce back after a 4-2 defeat to the New Saints last week.
“I feel like we had a point to prove after last week showing that we can score goals,” she told the club social media channels. “It was good to get six today. Obviously it’s nice to score myself, but a good team performance.”
And getting back to winning ways – and staying in second place, level on points with league leaders Cardiff City – was crucial, she said.
“It was so important. I feel like as a team we know where we want to be at the end of the season, we can’t afford to have any slip-ups really, so it’s important that every game we come across and play, we give it our all, and we have no regrets left on the pitch.”
Mariam Mahmood: There are no easy games in the Adran Premier
Mahmood is in her first few weeks of playing in Wales’ top tier. She signed for Wrexham in the close season having worked with head coach Sugarman in the English set-up at West Bromwich Albion, and she added that she already felt like “part of the furniture”.
“I’ve settled in really well. I really enjoy it. It’s a really good set-up here.”
And on the standard of the league itself, she added: “There’s no easy games. You can’t take your foot off the gas. You need to be consistent. It’s a challenge.”
Wrexham started the season with wins over last season’s runners-up Briton Ferry Llansawel, winning 5-2 away from home, and a home win over Barry Town United, 3-2.
And their next match is on Sunday, 5th October, and it is a trip to Swansea City, who currently sit in third place with a game in hand. However, they were beaten soundly by local rivals Cardiff at the weekend – 3-0, the first goals the Swans have conceded this season.
“I’ve never played against them, not really sure what to expect,” said Mahmood, “but I look forward to every game I play with Wrexham, so I’m excited for the challenge and I feel like it’s a big occasion and we step up on big occasions.”
