Swansea City took a huge step towards the Welsh Premier Women’s League title with a resounding 6-0 win over South Wales rivals Cardiff City.
The Swans were clinical throughout and raced to a three-goal lead through Laura Davies, Tija Richardson, and Katy Hosford, the latter securing her hat-trick in the second period to add to Stacey John-Davis’ strike.
Colin Staples’ side now head into a week where they could claim a domestic double as they contest a League Cup final with Cardiff City before hosting Abergavenny in their final league fixture needing just a point to be crowned champions.
The Swans started on the front foot and went close to an opener when Cerys Pinchard’s backpass was almost cut out by John-Davis, but Charlotte Hastings was quick off her line to clear.
The hosts were rewarded for their fast start, as they took the lead in the 7th minute.
Davies turned home from Shaunna Jenkins’ corner for her second goal of the season.
The Swans looked a real danger from set pieces and doubled their lead in the 12th minute.
Davies turned provider this time, as her corner was headed powerfully into the bottom corner by Richardson in a clinical period from the hosts.
Staples’ side continued their positive start and looked solid defensively, reducing the Bluebirds to efforts from distance, with Phoebie Poole firing wide.
The Swans’ John-Davies was lively throughout and played an integral part as the hosts added a third in the 24th minute.
The attacker did well to create space in the box to square to Hosford at the back post, who turned the ball past Hastings.
Swansea continued to create chances, as Kelly Adams raced through, only to be denied by a fine save from Hastings.
After a clinical opening period from the Swans, they went into the break with a commanding lead.
Staples’ side started the second-half on the attack and went close to adding a fourth, as Hosford found Emma Benyon in the box, who fired narrowly wide.
The Swans weren’t to be denied however, as they found a fourth goal four minutes into the second period.
Richardson’s cross from the right was headed home at the back post by Hosford for her second goal of the afternoon.
Despite a positive response from Cardiff with young substitute Eliza Collie looking lively, the Swans added a fifth in the 59th minute.
Hosford found space on the left to cross and with Hastings unable to gather, John-Davis was on-hand to bundle home.
The Swans had a huge chance to add a sixth John-Davis again involved, as she raced through and rattled the post.
Staples’ side hit the post once more as substitutes Chloe Chivers and Chloe Tiley combined, with the latter’s effort trickling onto the woodwork.
In the dying minutes, the Swans added a sixth, as Chivers’ cross was inch-perfect for Hosford to tap home at the back post.
Swansea City Ladies: Claire Skinner, Alicia Powe (C), Shaunna Jenkins (Jessica Williams 65’), Ellie Lake, Emma Benyon (Nieve Jenkins 65’), Kelly Adams, Ria Hughes, Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis (Chloe Tiley 72’), Laura Davies (Chloe Chivers 57’), Tija Richardson
Goals: Laura Davies 7’, Tija Richardson 12’, Katy Hosford 24’, 49’, 86’, Stacey John-Davis 59’
Cardiff City Women: Charlotte Hastings, Lisa Owen, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (C) (Sophie Norman 18’), Danielle Broadhurst (Carys Minton 77’), Danielle Green (Charley Hocking 77’), Jasmine Simpson, Ellie Jones, Phoebie Poole (Eliza Collie 55’), Catherine Walsh (Michaela Major 55’), Cerys Pinchard
Yellow Cards: Catherine Walsh 31’
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