Cardiff Metropolitan University made it four consecutive league wins as they claimed a 3–1 victory over Pontypridd Town at Cyncoed Campus.
Emily Richards’ superb brace, netting either side of half time put Met in the ascendancy, before Alison Witts’ header halved the deficit, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, as Laura-may Walkley’s shrewd finish sealed all three points.
The victory saw the Archers close the gap with leaders Swansea City, whose clash with Port Talbot Town was postponed.
Fern Burrage-Male’s Pontypridd, despite a competitive performance, succumbed to their third defeat of the season.
The Archers came out of the box quickly and went close to taking an early lead when striker Erin Murray beat the offside trap and squared across the box to winger Emily Allen, whose effort at goal was saved excellently by Maisie Jones.
Met continued their bright start and had a chance to opening the scoring with Allen again involved, heading narrowly wide from Sophie Hancocks’ corner.
Pontypridd grew into the first-half and competed well, but couldn’t quite call Met goalkeeper Annabel Sweeney into any action of note.
The Archers were rewarded for their persistence in attack, as they took the lead in the 38th minute.
Midfielder Richards picked up the ball on the edge of the box and drilled an effort into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead.
Richards went close to doubling her tally just minutes later, as a superb effort from a long-range free-kick hit the woodwork, with the Archers heading into the break with a one-goal advantage.
Cardiff Met made the perfect start to the second period, as they doubled their lead in the 47th minute.
Positive build-up saw Richards race in behind and lift the ball over goalkeeper Jones to net her second goal of the evening.
Pontypridd Town responded well to falling further behind and went close to reducing the deficit when Alison Witts competed with Sweeney for the ball, but the shot-stopper was quick off her line to clear the danger.
Burrage-Male’s side carved out another chance, as Anais Trinci, making her league debut, found space on the right, but fired wide of the post.
The Archers continued to show their quality and create opportunities, with Murray and Richards both going close to adding to the hosts’ advantage.
Pontypridd were inches away from halving the deficit on the hour mark, as substitute Jasmine Simpson hit the woodwork with a superb effort from a free kick.
The visitors weren’t to be denied, however, as they got themselves on the scoresheet in the 77th minute, as striker Witts was found free in the box to head home.
Chances of a dramatic comeback were denied just a minute later, with Walkley’s brilliant finish restored the two-goal advantage for Met and secured all three points.
The Archers return to action as they travel to Barry Town this weekend, while Pontypridd face Cardiff City.
Cardiff Metropolitan University: Annabel Sweeney, Stephanie Turner ©, Lucy Finch, Hannah Mills, Sophie Hancocks, Emily Richards, Laura-may Walkley, Emily Allen, Elianna Chavez (Taylor O’Leary 68’), Erin Murray, Jessie Taylor
Goals: Emily Richards 38’, 47’, Laura-may Walkley 78’
Pontypridd Town: Maisie Jones, Carys Minton, Clare Daley, Holly Broad ©, Alana Murphy (Jasmine Simpson 55’), Renee Day, Kirstie Pervin-Davies (Robyn Pinder 55’), Alison Witts, Anais Trinci, Sinead Melinn (Jessica Osborne 70’), Olivia Barnett
Goals: Alison Witts 77’
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