Cascade got their Adran South campaign off to a perfect start, with a 4-0 home win over newly promoted Coed Duon.
In what was a cagey first half, Erin Parry broke the deadlock with a stunning strike, with Molly Chapman adding a second before the break. Lauren Boyd bagged a brace in the second half, as last year’s runners-up picked up all three points.
It was clear to see from the off that both teams were looking to play an attacking, open game. However, both defences were in top form. Both struggled to find a way through, with defenders moving across the line and sniffing out any essence of danger.
Half chances did come and go. Captain Katie Davies struck the bar for the home side, while Sian Rees’ wild strike from distance dipped over the woodwork for the visitors.
As the game meandered into stoppage time, Coed Duon looked comfortable and looked set to go in level. However, Cascade had other ideas, as they scored twice in added time.
Firstly, Erin Parry ran straight at the Dragons defence, before unleashing a speculative strike from distance that dipped over the head of Ruth Stanley. A great way to get the season started for the home side.
Four minutes later they had their second. Annaliese Lewis’ pass found Molly Chapman, who beat the offside trap expertly, before dinking a delicious chip into the back of the net. A real sucker punch for the newly promoted side, who all of a sudden were heading into the break two goals down.
You really felt like Cascade had a spring in their step at the beginning of the second half. The interplay and the work off the ball had gone up a level, and they were really putting Coed Duon to the sword. They tried to tire them out as they stretched the play all over the pitch, and in the final 20 minutes, they were rewarded for their efforts.
Ellis Lunn took on defenders aplenty as she drove into the box, but her shot was parried by Stanley. However, after pushing the ball out, the Coed Duon defence dawdled around the ball, allowing Lauren Boyd to come in and tap home.
The former Abergavenny winger would only have to wait ten minutes for her second. Lewis produced a wicked cross which found Boyd at the far post, who cushioned in a volley from close range.
The second half showed what Cascade are all about and why they can be a force to be reckoned with in the Adran South. For Coed Duon, they will be disappointed with the outcome, but they will be able to take positives from this performance.
After next week’s Adran Trophy group stage games, Cascade will be on the road to Caldicot Town, while Coed Duon will host Llanelli Town.
Player of the Match: Erin Parry
Lauren Boyd, Shannon Evans, and Ellis Lunn all deserve mentions, but I thought Parry was excellent. Going forward, she was a nuisance. Constantly pushing to get the ball, always on the back of a defender, and picking out a key pass for a teammate. She also showed what she can do defensively, as she tracked back well and helped to sniff out any danger. A superb debut.
Cascade
Chrissy Kidley, Charli Carroll, Casey Thomas, Daisy Evan-Watkins, Erin Parry, Katie Davies © (Sophie Wittle 76’), Molly Chapman (Ellis Lunn 61’), Annaliese Lewis (Amelia Mills 83’), Lauren Boyd, Mia Kemp (Jodi Bowles 62’), Hannah Moger (Melissa James 75’)
Goals: Erin Parry (45’), Molly Chapman (45’), Lauren Boyd (69’, 81’)
Coed Duon
Ruth Stanley (GK), Neve Speicher, Caitlin Watkins, Sian Rees (Luana D’Ambrosio 46’), Mali Gunning-Thomas (Jessica Evans 20’), Cerys Barham (Ashleigh Berrow 78’), Rianne Jones, Katie Williams ©, Grace O’Reilly, Shannon Evans, Aniela Cegielski-Brown
Unused Subs: Bethan Farr
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