FAW Cup, Adran Premier and Adran South roundup

Postponements once again stopped many games from happening across the country, but there was still some festive cheer in some parts of the country.

Action from the FAW Cup, Adran Premier and Adran South this weekend, and we had some shocks, late winners, and jubilation in all the games.

FAW Cup

We start off in the quarter finals of the FAW Cup and to Colliers Park. Behind closed doors at the FAW base, Wrexham took on Aberystwyth Town. On paper, it could be argued that this looked like an even game. Aberystwyth, of the Adran Prem, were not enjoying their greatest season, especially after the highs of last season, but had shown signs of a resurgence of late.

On the other hand, Wrexham were an exciting side with a wealth of goal scoring talents and had beaten a very capable TNS on their way to the quarter final. After a hard fought 90 minutes, it was Aber who secured their place in the next round with a 3-1 victory.

After a quiet first half, Aber’s Emily Thomas roared this game into life in the second half. She broke the deadlock before the hour mark, putting the ball away after a magical through ball by Rebecca Mathias. But Wrexham hit back through their star striker Rosie Hughes, who applied a low finish after a ball by Rebecca Pritchard.

The equaliser could have dented the hopes of this Aber side, but they rallied back instantly through Thomas. Libby Isaac with some fantastic build up play before playing in Thomas, and the Seasiders were back in front. She completed her hat-trick seven minutes from time, winning the ball high up field before executing a composed finish past the keeper.

There was certainly no shame in this Wrexham performance and I’m sure they’ll not only be hungry for revenge against Aber when they meet in the last eight of the Adran Trophy, but will be delighted with how they competed against an Adran Prem side, and they will be hoping to secure promotion to the topflight this season.

For Aber, they will face Briton Ferry in the semi-final. What an opportunity for both sides to reach a final, and I’m sure this result will give Aber confidence in not only the cup, but the league too.

Adran Premier

With Swansea’s game being called off this weekend, leaders Cardiff City had an opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the table. Standing in their way were seventh placed Barry Town United. In horrendous conditions, a late winner sealed a 1-0 victory for City.

In a game that for large periods looked like it was played in a swimming pool rather than a football pitch, Cardiff had numerous chances to score. Barry keeper Erin Brennan along with her defensive unit thwarted chance after chance from the likes of Phoebie Poole, Rhianne Oakley and Hannah Power.

When it looked like a draw was inevitable, sub Meg Saunders found the winner a minute from time. Cardiff will be delighted with the result, but Barry can certainly hold their heads high, and this result confirms just how close and competitive the Adran Prem is this year.

Cardiff City v Barry Town United in Adran Premier at Leckwith Stadium on the 18th December 2022. Credit: Perry Dobbins

Adran South

There was a mouth-watering clash between the top two in the Adran South, as Briton Ferry took on Cascade YC. Ferry won the first meeting between them earlier in the season, but Cascade served up some sweet revenge as they came away with a 2-0 win.

Annaliese Lewis scored 22 minutes into the tie, before Abbie Davies finished after a clever pass from Molly Chapman on the hour mark to seal all three points. The result sees Cascade jump up to first in the Adran South table.

The teams are due to meet in the first game after the Christmas break in what could be an early title decider, but I’m sure it will be a thriller up in Ystrad Mynach.

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