Aberystwyth Town earn huge point against Swansea City in the Adran Premier relegation battle
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
Aberystwyth Town fought back to grab an important point against Swansea City on Sunday afternoon, with the game at Park Avenue finishing in a 2-2 draw.
The Seasiders made three changes to the side that lost 4-0 to Cardiff Met University in midweek, with Amy Jenkins, Libby Isaac and skipper Kelly Thomas coming back into the starting eleven, with the latter returning to the side after a red card against Cardiff City a week ago.
Ceri Saunders made four changes from last time out, which involved new signings Lailah Muscat and Megan Saunders. Saunders signed from South Wales rivals Cardiff City during the week.
The Swans started the stronger of the two sides. Saunders was causing Aberystwyth several problems in the centre, with the striker dropping into midfield in an attempt to get Swansea on the front foot.
However, Aberystwyth slowly got back into the game, and went in front with 30 minutes on the clock.
Emily Thomas pounced on a mistake by Rachel Cullen to put herself through on goal, with the Aber Town winger doing just enough to place a shot past Swansea goalkeeper Chelsea Herbert.
Swansea were shocked after controlling much of the opening stages and took some time to settle down after conceding the goal.
The visitors did build their way back into the game. After Swansea captain Emma Beynon hit the crossbar with a volley from outside the box, the warning signs were there for Aber Town towards the end of the first half.
The Swans made the momentum count. Two minutes before halftime, Stacey John-Davis got down the right side and put a cross in, which ended up being a shot as the ball flew straight in at the back post, to bring Swansea level,
Swansea turned the game on its head in additional time in the first 45. New signing Muscat headed in at the back post from a Katy Hosford corner, to give Saunders’ side the lead going into the break.
However, a brilliant second half by Aberystwyth Town was summed up by their early equaliser in the second period.
It would be another mistake by Swansea City which would allow the Seasiders through on goal. Amy Jenkins intercepted a pass at the back and slotted home into the bottom corner, to give Aber Town a point against the Swans.
After Barry Town United suffered another heavy defeat in the Adran Premier, this time courtesy of Pontypridd United, the Seasiders go one more point away from Barry in the relegation zone, to boost their hopes of survival this season.
Aberystwyth Town XI: Valentine, Gwilt , Mathias, Roberts, K.Thomas, E. Thomas ,Isaac ,Wylde , F. Evans, G. Jones, Jenkins (Baker 76)
Unused Sub: Pugh-Jones, Mawle, S.Evans
Goalscorer: E. Thomas 30, Jenkins 48
Yellow Cards: Gwilt 31, G. Jones 80
Swansea City XI: Herbert, Lake, Beynon, Jenkins, Hosford, John-Davis, Tiley (Legall 46), Saunders, Wiliams, Muscat (Chivers 84), Cullen (Horgan 66)
Unused Sub: Wojtyczka, Rees
Goalscorers: John-Davis 43, Muscat 45+4
(Featured Image: Kevin Francis/CreativeKF)
