Five months after Cardiff City lifted the trophy at Cardiff City Stadium, the Adran Premier finally got back underway on Sunday.
All eight teams were in action, while the FAW Cup also got underway, with teams being involved in the qualifying round.
We take a look back at what was an unbelievable weekend in Welsh football.
Adran Premier
We start this week with a trip out west and to Park Avenue. Compared to every other team in the league, Aberystwyth Town’s transfer business had been on the quiet front, and optimism was perhaps tipping into pessimism ahead of the new season. For Barry Town United, while some key players had departed, new manager Stevie McCarthy-Campbell had recruited a young core that, on paper, looked very competitive. While there weren’t many new faces for the Seasiders, they played some of their youngsters, and the kids proved they were more than alright, as they swept Barry aside with a 3-0 win.
There was no doubting who the star of the show was, 15-year-old Lily Moralee-Hughes. She only had to wait 18 minutes for her first goal, as she dribbled past numerous Barry defenders before placing the ball in the back of the net. Another 15-year-old making her debut was Lleucu Mathias, and she also managed to score six minutes from the break, as she pounced to put in a rebound. But it was all about Moralee-Hughes, and she capitalised on a defensive mix up on the stroke of half time to make it three.
The old guard have performed beyond admirably for Aberystwyth over recent years, but if this new young core coming through keep up this form, then this could be a magical season for the Green and Black. For Barry, it’s a harsh lesson, but one they will take a lot from, I’m sure.
To Cyncoed and the reigning champions. Coming off the back of a European adventure, Cardiff City’s attention turned back to the league, as they looked to maintain their long unbeaten record. Standing in front of them were Cardiff Met, a side who had made numerous changes in the summer. In what was a cagey encounter at times, it was the Bluebirds who came out on top with a 3-1 win.
If you’re looking to set up a goal for you in this league, look no further than Ffion Price. The wing-back assisted 18 goals last season, and she was up and running straight away in this game, as her cross was turned in by Meg Bowen. But the reigning champions didn’t have it all their own way, as one of Met’s many new signings, Ingrid Ådland, equalised from distance. But just before the break, City hit back and regained the lead, as Rhianne Oakley scored a magnificent solo goal.
City controlled the majority of the second half, with Met keeper Charlotte Smith keeping the deficit down to one. But in stoppage time, there was nothing she could do, as Bowen found her second, as she tapped in a shot that had come off the post. There seems to be no European hangover for the Bluebirds. For Met, they can take a lot of heart from this performance.
To the Valleys next and an intriguing matchup. Last season, TNS pipped Pontypridd United to fourth place by one goal. The Dragons certainly wanted revenge on Sunday, but it wasn’t to be, as the Saints recorded a dominant 3-1 win away from home.
TNS controlled the first half, and got their reward on the half hour mark, as Danielle Staley scored her first goal for the club. Greg Draper’s side continued to control the game in the second period and doubled their lead through the head of Izzy Redding. Yet, seemingly out of nowhere, Ponty pulled one back; a stunning strike from Carys Bufton. But it was TNS who had the last laugh, as Caitlin Chapman capitalised on an error by Ponty keeper Eleanor Brook. A positive start for the Saints.
And finally, to the live game, and my word, what a game. Newly promoted Wrexham managed to draw with Swansea City 3-3. After the Swans had dominated the early phases, Wrexham took the lead with a cool finish from Rebecca Pritchard. To the shock of many, the Red Dragons doubled their lead midway through the second half, as Rosie Hughes scored her first in the Adran Premier.
But Swansea showed their class as they managed to pull it back level. Robyn Pinder squeezed an effort into the bottom corner, before Chloe Chivers executed a magnificent volley. The tide once again turned in the dying embers, as Ellie Lake was sent off for kicking out on Pritchard, and with a player advantage, Wrexham found a third through debutant Hannah Keryakopilis. Despite the player advantage, Swansea hit back once again to draw level, as Katy Hosford’s strike took a couple of deflections on its way into the back of the net.
Overall, the game at The Rock was a superb way to end what was an incredible opening weekend for the Adran Premier.
FAW Cup
There were some big results and big performances in the qualifying round of the FAW Cup. Without a doubt, the standout performer was Llanelli Town’s Stacey Webber. The number nine scored five and assisted six, as they defeated Morriston Town 19-0. Elsewhere, there were hat-tricks for Ruby Dewhurst and Mali John, as Carmarthen Town downed Aberystwyth University 13-1.
Katie Richards scored five in Penybont’s 14-0 win over Coedffranc, while Adran North side NFA got their first win of the season with an 11-0 victory away to Welshpool Town. Coed Duon came from behind to defeat Cambrian and Clydach 5-2, and Newport City are also through to the first round proper, after defeating Penydarren 4-1.
There were also wins for Ammanford, Penclawdd, Aberaman, CPD Pwllheli, Llangefni Town, and CPDM Bangor.
The draw for the first round will take place on Wednesday September 20th at 8pm, and will be available to watch live on RedWall+.
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