Swansea City came from behind to win the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup with a 4–1 victory over South Wales rivals Cardiff City.
Phoebie Poole put the Bluebirds ahead early in the first period, only for her goal to be cancelled out by Tija Richardson.
The Swans showed their quality in a strong second-half display, as Katy Hosford’s goal, along with Stacey John-Davis’ brace sealed the victory.
For Staples’ side, attention now turns to the league, as they are on the brink of a league and cup double.
The Bluebirds competed for large parts and undoubtedly played their part in a final that was a great advert for Welsh Women’s football with Wales manager Gemma Grainger present for the spectacle.
In a lively, even start, the first chance fell to the Swans, as striker John-Davis fired over from inside the box.
Staples’ side looked dangerous, as John-Davis laid the ball off to Hosford on the left, who struck narrowly wide.
Despite the Swans’ early chances, Cardiff City grew into the contest and looked much improved from their weekend performance.
The Bluebirds were rewarded for their positive start and took the lead in the 17th minute.
Tenacious midfielder Catherine Walsh struck a fierce effort at goal, which goalkeeper Claire Skinner could only parry out to Poole, who was on-hand to net the opener.
Darbyshire’s side played at a high intensity and pressed the Swans well, allowing little time on the ball.
As the Swans looked for an equaliser, Staples’ side played the ball wide at every opportunity, but Cardiff City full-backs Lisa Owen and Ffion Price defended excellently.
John-Davis continued to threaten however, as she found space to shoot in the box, only to be denied by a superb save from Charlotte Hastings.
The Swans’ pressure paid-off as they found an equaliser in the 39th minute.
Hosford delivered at the second attempt following a corner and found Richardson, who was free to turn past Hastings to level the scores.
Staples’ side had their tails up having equalised and could have gone ahead before half-time, as Laura Davies found Hosford on the left, who fired over the bar.
As the South Wales rivals went into the break level, the final was finely poised.
Swansea started the second-half on the front foot and were rewarded for doing so, as they took the lead early on.
A free-kick from the left was delivered by Hosford, which looped over Hastings in the Bluebirds goal to turn the game on its head.
In a decisive spell in the final, the Swans swiftly added a third, as Cardiff City captain Siobhan Walsh’s back-pass was cut out by John-Davis, who buried into the bottom corner.
The Bluebirds reacted well to falling behind and went close to reducing the deficit.
Price’s dangerous free-kick delivery was met by Poole, who went close with a header at goal.
In a positive spell for the Bluebirds, Price was again involved, as her great work down the right saw her cross and find Danielle Green, whose effort deflected wide.
From the resulting corner, a goalmouth scramble resulted in Darbyshire’s side appealing the ball had gone over the line, but the referee denied the protests.
Despite the Bluebirds’ efforts to get back into the contest, the Swans were clinical and made sure of the victory in the 81st minute.
Striker John-Davis raced through and lifted a brilliant finish over Hastings to add a fourth.
Despite the Bluebirds’ efforts to reduce the deficit late-on, Staples’ side managed proceedings to seal the victory.
Having secured the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup, the Swans’ attention now turns to the league, where a point against Abergavenny Women in their final game will be enough to win the title.
Swansea City Ladies: Claire Skinner, Alicia Powe (C), Shaunna Jenkins, Ellie Lake, Emma Benyon, Kelly Adams (Nieve Jenkins 88’), Ria Hughes (Jessica Williams 88’), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis (Chloe Tiley 88’), Laura Davies (Chloe Chivers 65’), Tija Richardson
Goals: Tija Richardson 39’, Katy Hosford 52’, Stacey John-Davis 55’, 81’
Yellow Cards: Ellie Lake 67’
Cardiff City Women: Charlotte Hastings, Lisa Owen (Jasmine Simpson 65’), Ffion Price, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (C), Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green (Mikayla Cook 88’), Phoebie Poole, Catherine Walsh (Michaela Major 88’), Zoe Atkins, Cerys Pinchard (Ellie Jones 90’)
Goals: Phoebie Poole 17’
Yellow Cards: Catherine Walsh 75’
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