Aberystwyth Town edge past valiant Cardiff Wanderers to reach Adran Trophy quarters
Cardiff Wanderers v Aberystwyth Town Women in the Genero Adran Trophy at Taffs Well FC’s Rhw’r on the 20th November 2022. Credit: Kevin Francis/CreativeKF
Two second-half goals sent Aberystwyth Town into the quarter-finals of the Adran Trophy as they managed to avoid an upset against Cardiff Wanderers with a 3-1 away victory.
Sian Evans and Libby Isaac both scored in the last 15 minutes to send Aber through after Wanderers’ Jade Crofts had given them an early scare, which was later cancelled out by Amy Jenkins.
Wanderers – wildcard entries after their Women’s League title win – matched Aber for a majority of the match but their Adran Premier class showed in a dominant second period.
The early scare unnerved Aberystwyth but they are in the last eight, whilst Barry Town United, Swansea City and Abergavenny Women fell to defeats to lower-league opposition. Aber could play Connah’s Quay, Llandudno, Wrexham, Cardiff City, Pontypridd United, holders Cardiff Met, or the New Saints.
Aber started on the front foot and Emily Thomas hit the side netting after Jenkins’ hooked the ball over to her on the right-hand side. Gwenllian Jones and Sian Evans both had shots that were well dealt with by Jordan Cleaver and Alisha Northmore.
Cardiff Wanderers went in front through their second attack. Llywela Edwards’ launched a ball over the top and Elen Valentine was chipped by Crofts after she rushed off of her line.
The visitors sought an immediate response but Gwen Jones from six yards out had her shot saved by Cleaver before debutant Cadi Williams hooked a shot over the bar. Nearing the half-hour mark, Rebecca Mathias’ low free-kick bobbled to Sian Evans but she couldn’t turn it home. Aber’s best chance came when Isaac was played in on the left flank and she laced a shot onto the post.
Ten minutes from half-time, Aberystwyth got back on level terms. A shot had initially hit the post in a crowded box and then Jenkins pounced to score on the rebound.
Both sides had chances before the half was out with Valentine clawing away Rachel Beare’s header whilst Isaac’s free-kick was curled just past Cleaver’s post.
Aberystwyth took firm control when the action resumed and carved several opportunities with Jones and Isaac. Several corner kicks came in to the box and caused problems but Wanderers clung on.
The hosts almost replicated their first goal with Edwards putting a ball over the top for Crofts but Lucie Gwillt made a tremendous goal-line block to deny her a second.
Aber had appeals for a penalty turned down when Gwenllian Jones went down. The 16-year-old stretched her arms out but nothing came of her appeals. Thomas and Williams meanwhile continued to test Cleaver with several opportunities.
Aberystwyth eventually went in front after causing problems from set-pieces. Gwenllian Jones’ corner-kick was headed home by Evans in a central position.
Thomas should have wrapped the game up for the visiting side but her left-footed shot bobbled past the post at the last moment. Up the other end, Crofts was fouled inside the box but the referee waved away any protestations.
Two minutes from time, Isaac was able to kill the game off as Wanderers’ legs tired. A ball was played straight through to the forward who finessed her shot home. The full-time whistle soon followed with relief for Aber, whilst a standing ovation given from the home supporters to their side.
Cardiff Wanderers: Jordan Cleaver, Amelia Powell, Yasmin Wells, Georgia Brown, Rachel Beare, Laura Williams-Ellis, Jade Crofts, Brooke Howell, Alisha Northmore, Jessica Evans (Megan Jones, 70), Llywela Edwards.
Substitutes: Anna Stevenson, Keira Allen, Chloe Jones, and Megan Jones.
Goals: Jade Crofts 10′
Aberystwyth Town: Elen Valentine, Lucie Gwilt, Rebecca Mathias, Bethan Roberts, Emily Thomas, Libby Isaac, Ffiona Evans, Gwenllian Jones, Cadi Williams, Amy Jenkins (Dani Mawle, 84), and Sian Evans.
Substitutes: Kelly Thomas, Ruby James and Dani Mawle.
Goals: Amy Jenkins 36, Sian Evans 77, Libby Isaac 88′
