Cascade Ladies 1-3 Port Talbot Town: Steelwomen mark return with victory
YSTRAD MYNACH, WALES - 14 MARCH 2021: Port Talbots Laura-May Walkley with the GOAL to make it 1 - 0 during the Orchard Welsh Premier Women's League fixture between Cascade YC Women FC & Port Talbot Ladies FC at the Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach, March 14th 2021, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Port Talbot Town claimed their second league win of the season as they defeated Cascade Ladies 2-1 at CSE Ystrad Mynach in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
An early goal by Laura-May Walkley was followed by an unfortunate own goal from Hollie Williams before a late strike by Courtney Thomas secured the victory.
Chrystalla Moreton got one back for Cascade, but it was Port Talbot who walked away with the three points.
The Steelwomen move up to fourth in the table meanwhile the hosts remain second from bottom.
The first chance of the game came to the visitors, as Walkley cut in from the left-hand side and forced a save from Hollie Williams.
Seconds later, Walkley capitalised on a defensive mistake to open the scoring with a composed finish from close.
Town’s Maisie Miller was next to come close, as he let the ball travel across her body before firing straight at Hollie Williams.
Cascade settled into the game around the quarter mark, as they kept hold of the ball for lengthier spells.
The visitors came close again, this time through Jess Hammett. Hammett was found in the box by a Miller cross from the left, and her volley from close forced a point-blank save from Hollie Williams.
Walkley continued to control Port Talbot’s attacks, often playing her teammates in behind.
Miller almost doubled the lead after being played through by Walkley. Her shot from the edge of the box – destined for the top corner – was denied by Hollie Williams.
Bethan Lloyd was next to force a save out of the goalkeeper, as Hollie Williams got down well to save a long-range effort destined for the bottom corner.
Port Talbot’s lead was doubled just before half time, as a corner the left was met by a goal-mouth scramble, as it seemed the goalkeeper who performed superbly had put the ball into her own net.
Miller had the first chance of the second half, as she showcased her flair to bypass a defender from the left before shooting wide of the target.
Substitute Moreton made an instant impact as she grabbed one back just prior to the hour mark. A free-kick from range found her unmarked in the box before she headed in from around the penalty spot.
The goal saw the start of a resurgence for the hosts, who seemed to have more energy after reducing the deficit.
Port Talbot came close to grabbing a third as defender Carys Davies had a headed attempt cleared off the line.
Hollie Williams showcased her superb shot-stopping skills by denying Coryn Sexton twice in quick succession. Sexton’s first shot was saved, and the goalkeeper picked the rebound off the attacker’s feet before she could get a shot away.
Thomas sealed the victory with minutes to spear with an incredible goal from the edge of the box.
Cascade Ladies: Hollie Williams, Sophie Hamer, Casey Thomas, Daisy Evan-Watkin, Holly Grace, Katie Davies ©, Lana Cooper, Abbie Davies, Mia Kemp, Aimee Jones, Jodi Bowles (Chrystalla Moreton 51’).
Goal: Chrystalla Moreton (59’)
Port Talbot Town Ladies: Vicky Beddows, Carys Davies, Laura-May Walkley, Terri Beddows, Chesley Harris, Jesci Hare, Bethan Lloyd, Jessie Taylor, Jess Hammett (Courtney Thomas 56’), Lauren Amor (Coryn Sexton 76’), Maisie Miller.
Goals: Laura May Walkley (5’), Hollie Williams (O.G, 43’), Courtney Thomas (87’)
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