To put it simply, this was a blockbuster weekend in the world of Welsh football, a real treat for fans across the country.
We had the start of phase two in the Adran Premier, while in the Adran North and South, the race for the top spots took another twist.
Adran Premier – Championship Conference
What better way to start the league split than the top two meeting at Llandarcy. If Swansea City were going to retain their title this season, a win against an imperious Cardiff City side was imperative. The Swans made the Bluebirds sweat, but a last gasp goal meant the game ended 2-2.
It was a tense first half with the Bluebirds creating most of the chances going forward, but Swansea dealt them a sucker punch just before half time. Chloe Chivers’ cross was headed home by the ever-present Stacey John-Davies.
It didn’t take Cardiff long to get back into the game, as they equalised five minutes into the second half. Another pinpoint delivery from Ffion Price was this time met by Danielle Broadhurst. As the game traipsed its way into the final stages, Swansea gained the advantage going into the closing stages, as John-Davies scored her second from the spot after a handball in the area.
But, in a derby as heated as this one, bonkers thing can happen, and this time it was Cardiff who created a moment of hysteria for the travelling fans. Hannah Power’s lofted pass was controlled brilliantly by Phoebie Poole, and the league’s top scorer tucked the ball away to secure a point. An astounding game.
Cardiff Met had an outside shot of the title, but needed a monumental winning run and other games to go their way. They started phase two away to a TNS side who could play with a freedom to their play, and they truly delivered with a 2-0 win over the Archers.
It was an open start to the game with both sides having chances, but the Saints took the lead in the 25th minute. Caitlin Chapman’s cross found the head of Helen Evans to put the hosts ahead. That was Chapman’s tenth assist of the season. The girl from Northern Ireland is having a storming season.
Tija Richardson and Sophie Hancocks had half chances for Met, but nothing seemed to test the Saints backline. And Greg Draper’s side doubled their lead in the second half, as Emily Ridge fired in after Helen Evans’ slick through ball. An impressive start from the hosts.
Adran Premier – Plate Conference
To Jenner Park. Barry Town were on a wretched run of form and hadn’t won a game since the back end of October. Abergavenny were told that they would be facing a 6-point deduction from the league, and so a win here would boost confidence for the Pennies. In a game lacking chances, it was Abergavenny who got their second win of the season, beating the Linnets 1-0.
Mackenzie Olden went closest for Barry, but Marnie Gingell and the Abergavenny defence looked unstoppable. It took until the 88th minute for the deadlock to be broken; Alana Murphy finishing after a magical through ball from captain Katie Williams. Is survival on for Abergavenny?
Whenever Aberystwyth Town and Pontypridd United, it is always a tasty matchup, and this was no different, as Ponty staked their claim for the plate with a 2-1 win away from home. The Seasiders took the lead after Amy Jenkins was bought down in the area by Dragons keeper Maisie Jones, allowing Tania Wylde to score from the spot.
Ponty would hit back fifteen minutes later, as Liv Francis volleyed her effort home after great service from Carys Bufton. As it looked like the game would end in a draw, Bufton herself would turn into the goal scorer with two minutes to go, after a cross into the box from Evie Hughes. Ponty now eight clear at the top of the plate conference.
Adran North
It isn’t often that we wait this long into a season for a big game, but the match between Connah’s Quay and Wrexham promised to be a mouth-watering contest. Thanks to more last minute drama, the Red Dragons took a massive step towards the Adran North title with a 3-1 win.
Who else but Rosie Hughes got the ball running just before the half hour mark, using her pace to get round the defender before executing a precise finish. But they were to be pegged back by the Nomads just before the hour with an Aimee Hopkinson goal.
Into the 90th minute and still all square, before Katie Sharp popped up at the back post from a corner to head Wrexham back in front. And they weren’t done there, as a minute later Amber Lightfoot’s low finish sealed a Hollywood win.
Wrexham can secure the title with a win away to Rhyl next week.
Elsewhere, Llanfair United secured their second win of the season, with an impressive 3-0 win at home to Rhyl.
There was no doubting who was the star of the show in this one, Gemma Jones. The veteran forward scored a hat-trick to put the game beyond doubt, and shoutout to Harriet Davies too who assisted two of Jones’ three goals. The win keeps up Llanfair’s chances of overtaking Rhyl and finishing in fourth place.
Y Felinheli also picked up another win, this time a 5-0 triumph over Airbus, who remain without a point at the bottom of the table.
Only one goal was scored in the first half, that came through Ffion Williams, but in the second half, the forward would go on to complete her hat-trick. There was also goals for Katie Midwinter and Jordanne Greenough, in a routine win for the visitors.
Adran South
Briton Ferry continued their push for the Adran South title with an 8-0 win over Caldicot Town. Unfortunately, Caldicot could only field a team of eight players, in what was a brave effort from them, and all eight are a credit to the team and the town.
There were two goals each for Lowri Baker and Fleur Jenkins, and one each for Alice Broadley, Meg Kearle, Chelsea Deacon and Jess Denscombe, but the result was almost academic on Sunday.
After Ferry won 7-0 in midweek too, their destiny is in their own hands.
If Briton Ferry do trip up, Cascade YC are still in with a shout of getting their hands on the title, after coming from behind to beat Swansea University 2-1.
Casey Thomas had put the visitors ahead, but they were pegged back almost immediately by the student side, as Angelika Barris scored two minutes later. But Cascade have been late win specialists in recent games, and this match was no different, as Molly Chapman’s strike nine minutes from time sealed all three points.
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