Aberystwyth Town will play Swansea City in the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup semi-final after beating Cascade Ladies 1-0 at CSE Ystrad Mynach.
Niamh Duggan’s second-half strike gave the Ceredigion-based side a deserved victory after dominating the majority of the match.
Aberystwyth required a victory to progress to their first semi-final since promotion to the Welsh top flight two seasons ago and duly delivered with an assured performance.
Aberystwyth were the side that showed the attacking intent as they warmed the palms of Hollie Williams with some half-cut opportunities.
The first of those chances was a snapshot from Emily Thomas but a Cascade blockade were able to get in the way of her effort.
Aberystwyth then forced the Cascade goalkeeper into action as Niamh Duggan’s swipe at goal forced Williams to save at her near post.
Flavia Jenkins found Duggan in space with an exquisite pass but the Aber forward turned her shot wide from goal in a chance they hope they wouldn’t rue. Jenkins herself had tried to find some joy from distance and that forced Williams to be alert.
Hannah Pusey and Ffiona Evans were enjoying the freedom on the flanks and were continuously putting the Cascade full-backs under pressure.
A rare opportunity presented itself to Cascade but Daisy Evan-Watkins’ free-kick was wayward.
Both defences had to be alert before the break. Bethan Roberts firstly intercepted the run of Abbie Davies who would have had a free chance on goal.
Williams then had her blushes saved as Jenkins’ spotted the Cade goalkeeper off her line and went for a hopeful effort which bobbled wide.
Aberystwyth continued to pick up where they left off from the first half as they put the Cascade defence under more pressure.
Pusey was carrying her team forward but was intercepted well by Charlotte Condy.
Williams again had to be alert to Pusey’s run as she rushed to the feet of the Aber attacker.
Aberystwyth eventually had their just rewards. A neat piece of skill from Libby Isaac found Duggan in space and the Aber forward poked the ball into an empty net to spark jubilant scenes.
Cascade were forced into action from that goal and had their own opportunities.
Their goalkeeper Hollie Williams was still forced into action though again running to the feet of Isaac who could have prodded home.
Cascade set up to frustrate Aberystwyth and had defended well until their goal was breached just after the hour mark.
The final ten minutes proved to be where the most action happened. A well-timed challenge from Annaliese Lewis sparked a movement for Cascade to get forward. They then nearly profited from a headed clearance which almost caused Ashman problems.
Cascade then had a flurry of shots at goal but Aber stood tall to ensure that they wouldn’t concede their own goal lead.
They then nearly had the chance to double their lead as Wylde broke through on goal but Williams denied her at point-blank range.
Aber despite missing that opportunity withstood the wave of Cascade attacks to claim victory and progress to the next round of the competition.
Cascade Ladies: Hollie Williams, Charli Carroll, Daisy Evan-Watkins, Katie Davies (C), Lana Cooper, Chrystalla Moreton (Bethan Evans, 76), Annaliese Lewis, Abbie Davies, Mia Kemp, Charlotte Condy (Celsey Williams, 86), Franchesca Gilpin (Amelia Mills, 78),
Yellow Cards: Abbie Davies 88′
Aberystwyth Town: Ffion Ashman, Bethan Roberts, Caroline Cooper, Libby Isaac, Rebecca Mathias, Kelly Thomas, Flavia Jenkins, Emily Thomas, Hannah Pusey (Siani Evans, 54), Ffiona Evans (Charlotte Chalmers, 56), Niamh Duggan (Tania Wylde, 81),
Goals: Niamh Duggan 68′
Yellow Cards: Flavia Jenkins 71′
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