Cardiff Met secured a vital win in the Welsh Premier Women’s League title race with a resounding 6-1 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel at Cyncoed Campus.
The Archers put in a sublime first-half display, as a superb volley from Chloe O’Connor opened the scoring, before Amy Long’s brace and Erin Murray’s close-range finish put the hosts in a commanding position.
After Elianna Chavez’s header added a swift fifth for Met, Briton Ferry put in an improved second-half display and pulled a goal back through substitute Renee Day.
In the dying minutes, Chavez pounced on a loose ball in the area to record her third goal since joining the Archers.
The victory sees Kerry Harris’ side remain top of the table, level on points with Swansea City, who claimed a 5-0 win at Aberystwyth Town.
Going into the final week of the campaign, the Swans have a game in hand as an enthralling title race goes down to the wire.
Despite a spirited display, Briton Ferry Llansawel succumb to their 14th defeat of the season and finish their campaign in seventh place.
The Archers started on the front foot and went close to taking an early lead, as a brilliant piece of skill from winger Chavez saw her find space to shoot, but her effort at goal hit the woodwork.
Harris’ side weren’t to be denied however, as the hosts opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
Influential playmaker O’Connor struck a fantastic volley on-the-turn into the top corner for her 11th goal of the season.
Despite the Archers’ positive start, Briton Ferry went close to an equaliser, as winger Ela Roberts almost capitalised from a mix-up in the hosts’ defence, but was denied by a strong piece of defending by Lucy Finch.
The visitors threatened once again, with the lively Chelsea Deacon leading a promising counter-attack, but couldn’t quite find the final ball.
Cardiff Met were clinical however, as they doubled their lead in the 20th minute.
Striker Murray found space on the edge of the box to fire at goal, with her effort parried out by Courtney Young to Archers winger Long, who tapped home the rebound.
Just five minutes later, the hosts added a swift third, with Long striking a sublime effort from distance, which left Young with no chance.
The Ferry responded well to Long’s quick-fire brace, as Deacon raced through on goal, only to be denied by an excellent save by Charlotte Smith.
Isaac Berry’s side had a positive spell of possession and looked to reduce the deficit, with Deacon posing a threat.
However, the Archers were typically ruthless and added a fourth with ten minutes until the half-time whistle.
O’Connor’s wicked corner delivery fell to Murray in the box, who fired emphatically home for her ninth goal of the season.
Having added to their lead, Harris’ side dominated possession and went into the break in a commanding position.
Much like the first half, the Archers made a lightning start and grabbed a fifth goal in the early stages of the second half.
An excellent free-kick delivery from O’Connor was headed home by Chavez for her second goal for the club.
Briton Ferry Llansawel responded well and were rewarded for their persistence, as they pulled a goal back through Renee Day.
Substitute Day made an instant impact off the bench as she beat Smith to the ball and fired into an empty net for Berry’s side.
The hosts responded well to Briton Ferry’s goal, controlling possession and launching numerous waves of intricate attacks.
Harris’ outfit went close to adding a sixth, as defender Hannah Mills met O’Connor’s corner, but headed narrowly wide.
The Ferry continued to compete well and could have further reduced the deficit through Day, who was found free in the box, only to be denied by substitute goalkeeper Annabel Sweeney.
Late in the contest, the Archers went close to adding to their lead, as substitute Kennesha Nanette had a powerful effort blocked heroically by Briton Ferry captain Lowri Ridings.
In the dying minutes, Chavez, who looked a real danger throughout, pounced on a loose ball in the area to add her second goal of the afternoon and her third as an Archer.
Cardiff Met’s final league game of the season is a trip to face Aberystwyth Town, while title rivals Swansea City host Cardiff City in the South Wales derby in their penultimate fixture.
Cardiff Metropolitan: Charlotte Smith (Annabel Sweeney 75’), Lucy Finch, Hannah Mills, Stephanie Turner (C) (Ellenna Finneran 5’), Sophie Hancocks, Amy Long, Elianna Chavez, Chloe O’Connor, Erin Murray (Ellie Preece 52’), Lauren Hutton-Townsend, Emily Richards (Kennesha Nanette 75’)
Goals: Chloe O’Connor 4’, Amy Long 20’, 25’, Erin Murray 36’, Elianna Chavez 48’, 89’
Briton Ferry Llansawel: Courtney Young, Lani Hogben (Renee Day 45’), Alice Broadley (Becca Rees 77’), Anya Welch, Lowri Ridings (C), Nia Davies, Lucy Powell, Ela Roberts, Megan Kearle, Chelsea Deacon, Sophie Topper (Amelia Thomas 83’)
Goals: Renee Day 55’
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