Swansea University defeat Pontypridd United on penalties in extraordinary game

Swansea University caused another cup upset, as they defeated Pontypridd United on penalties.

First half goals from Uni’s Jessica Goucher and from the Dragons’ Efa Preece Jones meant the scores were level at the break. Ponty pushed for a winner throughout the second half, but the Swansea Uni stood defiant and resolute throughout.

In a penalty shootout unlike any other, it was Madison Williams who missed the crucial penalty, meaning the Adran South side won 6-5 on penalties.

Pontypridd made two changes from their last game, which was a defeat to TNS. Klaudia Wojtyczka and Sophie Topper made way for Anna Phelps and Clare Daley.

For Swansea Uni, they also made two changes from the team that was defeated at home by Cwmbran Celtic. Rachel Currie and Elizabeth Ferrar came out, with Freya Sullivan and Jessica Goucher coming in.

Very early on in the game you could see that defence wasn’t an option for either team. Both set up with a three at the back formation, and with both possessing a lot of speed up top, you could guarantee a lot of chances.

The first fell to Ponty and Efa Preece Jones, but her quick turn and shot on the edge of the box was tipped onto the bar magnificently by Isobel Platten. The winger would then go on to hit the post directly from a corner. You could sense she was edging closer to a goal.

Up the other end, a mistake from Anna Phelps allowed Lauren Baker to try a shot from range, but Phelps responded well to make a good diving save.

But her luck ran out after the half hour mark, as the Adran South side took the lead. A free kick was sent in by Charley Haynes from deep, and Phelps couldn’t come out and gather. After a little bit of pinball, Jessica Goucher was on hand to sweep home from close range.

To their credit, the Dragons didn’t wilt after going behind, and continued to test out the Uni defence. Katie Williams in particular was trying to make things happen, and she looked like prime Xavi out on the pitch at times.

But with the referee about to blow for the end of the half, Ponty had their equaliser, and it was no surprise it came through Preece Jones. Picking up the ball on the byline, she drove into the box, and while her first shot was saved, she managed to gather the ball and pick her spot.

A good half, but both sides knew they had to be more clinical if they were to put their name in the hat for the quarter finals.

Much like the first half, the second half started with attacks from the Dragons and the Students.

Nicole Fenton saw her shot parried away well by Platten, while at the other end, Shannon Hindmarsh did well to snuff out a promising counter led by Lauren Baker.

As the second half went on, the weather worsened, and with the rain lashing down, neither could really get into their attacking groove, and the possibility of penalties loomed over like one of the dark clouds up above.

But Ponty pushed for a winner, and almost had it on two occasions. Kate Webb hit her own crossbar while trying to clear the ball, and Ponty themselves had the ball in the net, only for the referee to give offside, not the linesman. To penalties we headed.

In a bizarre penalty shootout that saw the wrong player go up for a penalty, one being retaken, the referee and the Ponty bench remonstrating throughout, it was Madison Williams who missed the crucial penalty, meaning Swansea University sailed through into the quarters.

Player of the Match: Katie Williams

The Swansea University defence as a collective deserve a special mention as they were outstanding, but Williams was the standout from both teams. The way she reads the game is very unique, and it always felt like she was in the right place at the right time. Unlucky to be on the losing side.

Pontypridd United

Anna Phelps (Klaudia Wojtyczka 90’), Shannon Hindmarsh, Clare Daley ©, Madison Williams, Jasmine Turner, Ellie Gunney (Gracie Grosvenor 58’), Katie Williams (Ruby James 90’), Efa Preece Jones, Mia Sherrard (Ffion Simmonds 75’), Nicole Fenton, Lucy Jones

Unused Subs: Kate Wood

Goals: Efa Preece Jones (45’)

Swansea University

Isobel Platten, Hannah Perkins, Freya Sullivan, Kate Webb, Caitlin Meadows, Katie Horsburgh (Rebecca Basten 75’), Jessica Goucher, Angelika Barris (Kailey Walters 46’), Charley Haynes ©, Lauren Baker, Hannah Pinney

Unused Subs: Shelbie Parker-Smith, Rachel Currie

Goals: Jessica Goucher (33’)

After the game, we spoke to Swansea University captain Charley Haynes, after her team prevailed on penalties.

“It was a really tough battle. It was a really fun game to be a part of, but we’re buzzing to get the result at the end. Ponty’s quality really showed through throughout the game and we were pinned back quite a lot in the second half. The defence put in a really good shift to see out the game and just big credit to them.

“We were involved in a penalty shootout in the Welsh Cup and it’s just so stressful every time, I hate it! But thankfully it was good for us. It’s also never a nice way to lose and my heart does go out to Ponty because it is tough.

“I don’t mind who we get in the next round. Anyone who’s put in front of us we’ll give our best go, and hopefully we can go out and cause another upset.”

(Featured Image: John Smith/FAW)