Cascade cause shock, but Cardiff City and Wrexham into next round – Adran Trophy roundup

League action took a break this weekend, as clubs took part in the Adran Trophy Round of 16.

The eight Adran North and Adran South teams were drawn against Adran Premier opponents in this round of the cup, and it’s fair to say there was drama all around.

Let’s take a look at the week that was.

Adran Trophy

We begin this week in Ystrad Mynach. It’s fair to say Cascade haven’t had a rip-roaring start to life in the Adran South, but their squad still has plenty of quality and could hurt anyone on their day. Opponents Cardiff Met had still yet to win a game this season in any competition and needed to find a confidence boost from somewhere. It was to be more pain for the Archers, as Cascade stunned them 1-0 to move into the next round.

Met made the better start but squandered two chances early on. Ruby Colleton failed to turn in a cross from the right side, while Faith Mulenga couldn’t get past goalkeeper Bethan Connolly in a one-on-one situation. How they would rue those missed chances, as Cascade took the lead ten minutes before the break; Chrystella Moreton heading in from Katie Davies’ corner.

It could have been a more comfortable victory in the end for the hosts, as they had a clutch of chances in the second period. Moreton was denied her second after a fine save from Carys Gittins, Holly Hughes poked wide in a one-on-one situation, while Ellis Lunn struck the post from distance.

It could have been oh so different for Met, as India Shanahan was released in on goal just three minutes before full time, but with no one around her, the former Barry striker somehow put the ball over the bar. A slice of luck for Cascade, but perhaps they had deserved that, as they bossed their higher ranked opponents to book their spot in the next round.

Cascade 1-0 Cardiff Met: Cascade knock out Adran Premier side in Adran Trophy shock

A short trip down to Jenner Park now. Despite suffering a loss last week, Barry Town were still having a fine season, and a cup run was certainly an achievable goal. Making the trip south were Flint Town United, who had taken to the Adran North like a duck to water and had a squad with plenty of potential. In a game that had plenty of twists and turns, Barry eventually ran out 4-2 winners.

The task in front of the Linnets was made harder just 25 minutes in, as Lauren Harris received two bookings and was given her marching orders. While Barry held out for the rest of the first half, they found themselves behind less than ten minutes into the second half, as Jennifer Haynes scored her fourth goal in three games.

Then came a manic five minutes. Erin Murray equalised for the hosts, but they would be down again moments later, as Rosie Hughes put Flint back ahead. Remarkably, two minutes after going behind, Murray was on hand again to bring the scores level for the second time in the game.

Into the final 15 minutes, and Barry’s Adran Premier prowess shone through and guided them home. Jasmine Turner scored a third, before substitute Ellie Preece added a fourth to wrap the game up. A terrific showing from Flint who can take a lot from this defeat, but it’s Barry who put their name in the hat.

Staying in South Wales, we now go across to Cwmbran. Cwmbran Celtic certainly had their sights on a place in next season’s Adran Premier, and a home tie against Wrexham was a good indicator to see where they were at. Celtic certainly frightened the Red Dragons, but Wrexham edged past them 4-1 in the end.

It only took four minutes for Steve Dale’s side to go in front, as Olivia Fuller made it four games in a row in which she scored. However, that good feeling subsided very quickly, as Cwmbran equalised ten minutes later, with Jade Crofts latching onto a loose ball and firing past Del Morgan.

With both teams heading back into the dressing room on level terms, Cwmbran may have sensed an opportunity to cause an upset, but Wrexham had other ideas. Amber Lightfoot curled a beauty into the top corner, Abbie Iddenden slotted the ball away calmly, before Lili Jones added a fourth in stoppage time.

Another win for Wrexham, who look to be getting back to their best, but for Cwmbran Celtic, they have nothing to be ashamed of.

The current Adran Trophy holders, Cardiff City, were on the road for the first game of their defence, and they were up against a Connah’s Quay side who were eager to challenge themselves against the very best in the country. It wasn’t easy for the Bluebirds, but they booked their spot in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 win.

In a pretty comfortable first half, City found their first goal midway through it. Mikayla Cook’s shot was initially saved by Molly France, but there to convert the rebound was Laura Curnock. At the start of the second half, things got better for the Bluebirds, as Nieve Jenkins tapped home from Ffion Price’s free kick.

But that goal seemed to wake the Nomads up, who began to push hard for a route back into the game. Anna Marsh saw her effort saved, while Phoebe Ellis struck a free kick off the crossbar. Their push became easier when goal scorer Jenkins received a straight red card, but the clock was against them.

Marsh did eventually cut the deficit in half in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but it was too little too late for the Nomads. It’s a result that will certainly give them confidence heading into the rest of the season, but for City, it was job done.

Wales to face European giants in next instalment of Nations League

Elsewhere in the Adran Trophy, there were comfortable wins for the rest of the Adran Premier sides. Aberystwyth Town were once again on the road in cup competition, but it was another successful trip for them, as they defeated Llandudno 4-2. There were yet more goals for Lleucu Mathias, as she scored a brace in this one. Jess Baker and Imi Scourfield also found themselves on the scoresheet.

Last season’s runners-up, Swansea City, safely navigated past Llanfair United to reach the last eight, winning 4-0 in Llandarcy. The highlight of the game came from Chloe Chivers, who scored a spellbinding free kick from 30 yards. There were also goals for Aimee Deacon, Emily Thomas, and Emily Richards.

There was also a spot in the next round for TNS, who defeated Caldicot Town 6-1. Having gone ahead through Lexi Jones, the Saints were pegged back by Caldicot, with Rianne Jones finding a surprise equaliser. Yet, they would respond in fine fashion to record a big win. There was another hat-trick for Chantelle Teare, while there was one each for Caitlin Chapman and Lia Lewis.

And finally, Briton Ferry booked their spot in the next round with a 4-1 victory at home against Penybont. Maia Owen’s strike and a penalty from Alison Witts had put Ferry in a good position, but a goal from Casey Daniels 20 minutes from time gave Bont a renewed sense of hope. But late goals from Lucy Powell and Aimee Heath ensured it was Rhys James’ team who would be in the hat.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)