TNS brushed aside Pontypridd United 4-0 on Sunday, and they now control their own destiny for the final place in the Championship Group.
A blistering first half saw the visitors score three goals; one each for Helen Evans, Emily Ridge, and Danielle Staley, before a second half penalty through Beth Lewis sealed the win.
The result sees TNS jump Ponty to fourth in the table, with only goal difference separating them.
With neither side having played since December 4th, there was perhaps a worry that they’d come into this with a bit of rustiness, but that wasn’t the case.
Ponty were on top in the first ten minutes, with intricate attacking movements causing a few problems in the Saints defence.
After that, the visitors got into their stride any dominated for large swathes of the first half.
Crosses and free kicks from Beth Lewis raised questions of the Ponty defence, and while not convincing in their defensive execution, they were dealing with the threat.
Emily Ridge went close with a header and Isobel Redding almost scored a tap in, but Maisie Jones and her defence were preserving their clean sheet.
That was until a moment of brilliance from Helen Evans. She stepped up to take a free kick from 35-yards out, spotted Jones off her line, and looped the ball over her head. A wonder goal.
Lucie Platt almost doubled the lead two minutes later, but she could only pass her effort into the arms of Jones.
But the TNS players and supporters need not worry, as they doubled the lead soon after Platt’s chance. Another free kick caused havoc in the Ponty area, and the ball looped up to Ridge, who produced an overhead kick that seemed to stun the USW Sport Park.
The Saints were loving their football and it was clear to see. The enjoyment and free flowing football was oozing out of them, and they got their third before half time. A Caitlin Chapman cross finding Danielle Staley, who side footed it into the net.
A comfortable lead for the Saints at the break, but they were in this scenario last time against Aberystwyth. Could they hold onto their three goal lead this time?
In order for Ponty to stage any sort of comeback, they not only needed to thwart the swashbuckling TNS attack, but also find ways around their defence.
Liv Francis almost grabbed one back ten minutes into the second half, but a fantastic reaction save from Sarah Parkes denied her.
As Ponty pushed, TNS had chances. Evie Williams tried to emulate Evans with a goal from distance, but Jones did well to claw the ball away from danger.
The game went into a lull for a while before a handball in the Ponty area led to a Saints penalty. Beth Lewis stepped up and stroked the ball home.
While they may have been four up, Platt will be pondering how she didn’t score with 15 minutes remaining to make it five.
Greg Draper’s side however saw the game out in a professional manner and will be utterly delighted to head back up north with all three points.
Ponty’s next league fixture will be at home to Swansea on January 18th, while TNS take on Abergavenny on Wednesday. These sides will also meet next Sunday in the quarter final of the Adran Trophy at Park Hall.
Player of the Match: Beth Lewis
The key for TNS early on was crosses into the box, and Lewis’ delivery was pinpoint and accurate every time. Add to that her defensive duties and keeping the likes of Jasmine Turner and Liv Francis quiet, it was a solid performance from the captain.
Pontypridd United
Maisie Jones (GK), Shannon Greenway (Paige Ward, 76’), Clare Daley, Holly Broad (C), Emily Bayliss (Holly Salmons, 76’), Anais Trinci, Kirstie Pervin-Davies, Liv Francis, Efa Preece-Jones (Brooke Evans, 65’), Carys Bufton, Jasmine Turner (Millie Jones, 80’)
Unused Sub: Eleanor Brook (GK)
TNS
Sarah Parkes (GK), Beth Lewis (C), Danielle Staley, Lucie Platt, Tia Lockley (Jen Jarvie, 84’), Caitlin Chapman, Helen Evans, Isobel Redding, Lia Lewis, Emily Ridge (Nicole Samson, 81’), Evie Williams (Faye Marshall, 87’)
Unused Subs: Libby Rubin (GK), Olivia Rathe
Goals: Helen Evans (26’), Emily Ridge (29’), Danielle Staley (42’), Beth Lewis (69’ p)
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