Cardiff City reach another final, Wrexham go top as Cascade stunned
BFL Corner Flag at Old Road. Briton Ferry Llansawel v Cardiff Met at Old Road in the Welsh Premier Women's League on the 14th March 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Cardiff City and Briton Ferry reach the Women’s Cup final whilst Wrexham go top – the latest news across Women’s football in Wales.
From a place in a cup final to top of the table clashes, there was something for everyone in this week’s footballing action.
Action from the FAW Cup semi-finals, the Adran North and Adran South had us gripped this week, let’s see how it all unfolded.
FAW Cup
We start this week at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park. For both Briton Ferry and Aberystwyth Town, the chance to play in the cup final would be the highlight of their season, and for many seasons to come. It was the Ferry who would be celebrating at the end, as the second tier side defeated their Adran Premier opponents 3-0.
This was the highest ranking team that Rhys James’ had faced in the FAW Cup, but they certainly weren’t over roared by the occasion.
They went into the break in the lead, after Lowri Baker smashed home her shot after Aber failed to clear their lines. Half chances came and went for the Seasiders’ Amy Jenkins and Libby Isaac, but they couldn’t breach the Ferry defence.
Briton Ferry’s delight would turn to ecstasy in the second half as they scored two goals in the space of seven minutes. Meg Kearle would finish from Laura-May Walkley’s cross, before Fleur Jenkins pounced on a loose ball to make it three.
Rebecca Mathias was sent off for Aber after the full time whistle, but for Ferry, they will be relishing competing in their landmark final.
Their opponents would be decided at Penydarren Park in Merthyr. Once again in a cup competition, Cardiff Met and Cardiff City met, with the latter aiming to keep their treble possibility on track, but the Archers wanted revenge after the Bluebirds defeated them in the final of this competition last year.
Even with six first team players out on international duty, City carried on their unbeaten season with a 2-0 win.
The game was decided by two goals either side of half time from striker Rhianne Oakley. Her first was set up wonderfully by Seren Watkins’ cross, before Danielle Green’s low driven cross was turned in by Oakley, in what was a professional performance by Iain Darbyshire’s side.
Cardiff City and Briton Ferry will meet in the FAW Cup final on April 23rd, with the venue to be announced at a further date.
Adran North
Wrexham had a crucial game this weekend, as they were playing their game in hand over Connah’s Quay with a home game against Y Felinheli. The Red Dragons would maintain their 100% start to the league season with a thumping 8-1 win.
It only took Wrexham six minutes to break the deadlock, as Amber Lightfoot dashed away from the defence before executing a cool finish. Who else but Rosie Hughes would then score two goals in six minutes to put Steve Dale’s side three up before the 20 minute mark.
Sophie Hodson then converted Mia Roberts’ cross to ensure a four-goal lead going into the break. As soon as the second half resumed, Hughes would complete her fourth hat-trick of the season with a header.
Jordanne Greenhough would score a consolation for the visitors, but there was still time for Wrexham to score another three. Hughes managed to grab a fourth, along with one for Lily Whitefoot and an own goal from Llio Henshaw, as they march to the top of the table.
In the other game, Llandudno strengthened their grip on third place with a 2-1 win over local rivals Rhyl.
Two first half goals from Julia Alcock and Ffion Owen had the away side in a strong position, but a goal on the hour mark from the Lilywhites’ Laura Williams had them sweating. In the end Dudno held on to take all three points.
Adran South
With Briton Ferry in cup action, there was a chance for Cascade YC to jump into first place. However, they were humbled by a superb Pontardawe Town side, as the Dawe won 4-0.
After a goalless first half, the home side well and truly got into their stride in the second half. In the space of six minutes, they had three goals: one each for Sara Llewelyn, Keira Harris, and Ella Stafford.
Renee Day completed the rout with a fourth in the 90th minute, as Pontardawe kept their first clean sheet of the season. For Cascade, a chance of claiming the Adran South title took a nasty turn.
