Port Talbot Town claimed the bragging rights as they won the Afan Way Derby 1-0 against Briton Ferry Llansawel in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
Jesci Hare’s solitary goal in the 60th minute was the deciding factor as the Steelwomen edged out their opponents at Old Road.
Hayley Williams’ side were able to limit the hosts to very few chances, catching them offside time and time again as they made their key opportunity count.
Port Talbot move further ahead of seventh placed Aberystwyth, as well as moving level on points with fifth-placed Cardiff City.
Meanwhile a third consecutive loss for Isaac Berry’s side leaves them second bottom, one point above Cascade.
The game started evenly in the rain at Old Road but the away side were soon able to create some chances.
The first of the evening fell to Maisie Miller who tried to bend her shot into the top right corner, but her effort flew over the bar.
Briton Ferry tried to make the most of Chelsea Deacon’s pace in behind, Port Talbot’s high line held strong catching her offside.
Miller was able to carve out another chance for herself on by beating two Ferry defenders before firing her shot over.
The hosts continued to press for the opener, but backline of the away side held strong and continued to catch the Reds offside.
Their best chance fell to Decon who sprung in behind the Steelwomen’s defence but was only able to fire her shot straight into the hands of Vicky Beddows.
With very few chances in the game, whatever team managed to take the lead were always going to be favourites to win.
It was the visitors that got the opener on the hour mark through Jesci Hare.
The goal came from nowhere, she sent a looping shot from the edge of the box which flew over the head of Courtney Young in the Ferry goal.
Having fallen behind, the Reds were unable to create any chances for their forwards to drawn them level.
Port Talbot had a chance to double their lead through Miller but she was denied by Young who was able to get down well to smother the ball.
The visitors were living dangerously towards the end, with Beddows far off her line but Briton Ferry were unable to capitalise, giving Port Talbot the victory.
The two sides will meet again on April 4 in the second instalment of this local derby
Briton Ferry Llansawel: Courtney Young, Alice Broadley, Anya Welch, Renee Day, Lowri Ridings, Nia Davies, Lucy Powell, Ela Roberts, Chelsea Deacon, Georgia Howells (Caitlin Owen, 74), Sophie Topper (Megan Kearle, 80).
Yellow Cards: Georgia Howells, 65’
Port Talbot Town: Vicky Beddows, Carys Davies, Laura-may Walkley, Terri Beddows, Chelsea Harris (c), Jesci Hare (Rachael Ball, 69), Bethan Lloyd, Jessie Taylor (Jess Denscombe, 75), Lauren Amor (Courteney Thomas, 59), Nia Probert, Maisie Miller
Goal: Jesci Hare 60’
Yellow Cards: Rachael Ball 85’, Laura May Walkley 90’
Recap the action by going through our live blog below:
(Featured Image: Chwarae Sports Agency/Mike Greenslade Photography)
Leave a Reply