Cardiff City lift the title, while TNS create history – Adran Premier roundup

Seven months after it started, the Adran Premier season finally came to a close this past Sunday.

Although the top and bottom of the table were already confirmed, there were plenty of other storylines on the final day.

So, for the final time this season, let’s take a look back at the week that was.

Adran Premier – Championship Conference

The only place to start this week is the clash between the top two at Cardiff City Stadium. Champions Cardiff City of course received their flowers, and their trophy on Sunday, but Briton Ferry have been the story of the season and have truly deserved their second-place finish. Therefore, both teams could go out and play their own game, and thanks to a 90^th minute winner, City prevailed 3-2.

After being under the cosh for the first part of the game, it was City who took the lead. Lily Billingham’s ball across found Kerry Walklett, who curled a low shot out of the reach of Courtney Young and into the bottom corner. But a minute later parity was restored, as Megan Kearle scored a stunning volley, which went in with the help of the underside of the crossbar.

The contest became scrappy for the rest of the half, with neither side able to sustain a good spell of possession. Yet it would be City who would go into the interval ahead. Ffion Price’s searching ball forward was controlled superbly by Fiona Barry, who darted into the box and found the far corner.

Young made a couple of smart saves at the beginning of the second half to keep Ferry in the tie, and how they would take advantage of their reprieves, as they scored an equaliser midway through the second half. Jess Denscombe’s corner found the head of Tija Richardson, who managed to squeeze the ball past Ceryn Chamberlain.

For all the while a draw looked like a very fair result, but with a minute remaining, the champions found a winner. Price’s free kick from deep caused havoc in the Ferry area, and there to hook the ball over the line was Nieve Jenkins. The visitors certainly weren’t convinced that the ball had crossed the line, but their protests fell on deaf ears. City end the season on a high, as they lifted the title in front of their adoring fans.

In North Wales, TNS and Wrexham met. While there wasn’t a trophy on the line, third place was, and that would represent a solid campaign for either side. This was another game that looked like it would end in a draw, but a late winner saw TNS claim all three points.

The Saints found themselves on top in the first half, but couldn’t find a way past Del Morgan, who was making her final league appearance. Lexi Jones shot straight at Morgan, while Molly Havard couldn’t find the target. At the other end, Abbie Iddenden’s header went straight into the clutches of Mackenzie Haydn-Jones.

In the second half, TNS really started to throw the kitchen sink at Wrexham. Jones, Kayleigh Baker, and Grace Dunkerley all mustered attempts, but none of them could break the deadlock. However, the best chance of the game fell to Red Dragons markswoman Rosie Hughes, but from close range, the striker hit the crossbar.

How Wrexham would rue that missed opportunity, as they would concede nine minutes from time. Chantelle Teare’s cross found Jones in the box, who made no mistake. The win confirms TNS’ highest ever finish in the Adran Premier, while Wrexham finish fourth, but now have a Welsh Cup final to look forward to.

Cardiff City score late winner as they lift Adran Premier trophy yet again

Adran Premier – Plate Conference

It certainly hasn’t been a season to remember for those down at Swansea City, but Yzzy Taylor’s side ended the campaign on a high by winning 4-1 at home against Aberystwyth Town.

The Swans only needed ten minutes to break the deadlock, as Aimee Deacon’s inviting cross was turned home by Emily Richards. But out of nowhere, Aber found an equaliser just four short minutes later, as Carys Bufton got the better of Charlie Haynes. The Seasiders have a good record at Llandarcy, but this would not be a day for them to remember.

Shortly after being pegged back, Taite Trivett robbed Chelsea Herbert of possession outside the area, and she was able to tuck the ball away. Throughout the second half, the hosts peppered the Aberystwyth net, but their third goal did eventually come ten minutes from time, as Jess Williams headed home from Katy Hosford’s cross. And the rout was completed shortly after, as Stacey John-Davis scored her eighth goal of the campaign.

The game also marked the end of Sophie Brisland-Hancocks’ glittering career, and as a mark of respect from the club, she was handed the captain’s armband an given a guard of honour before the game.

And finally, Cardiff Met were unable to find a win in their final Adran Premier game (for now) as they sunk to a 2-0 home defeat against Barry Town.

The Linnets suffered a defeat to the Archers last week, but from minute one set out to try and set the record straight. Former Met favourite Ellie Preece was a real livewire in the first half, but was unable to find the back of the net.

However, it was another former Cyncoed star who would make Met pay in the second half. Lucy Attwood’s good movement allowed her to get a cross into Erin Murray, who was able to find a way past Charlotte Smith. Minutes later, Murray would have a second, as she converted a rebounded shot. A sixth-place finish for Barry, but certainly plenty of positives to take from the campaign.

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What’s next?

While most of the season is now complete, there are two more games for you to mark in your calendars.

This coming Sunday, Connah’s Quay and Pontypridd United will battle at Newtown’s Latham Park for a place in the Adran Premier.

The Nomads have won every league game this season and are looking to reach the Adran Premier for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, Pontypridd United are looking to return to the topflight at the first time of asking. Kick-off is at 12:30pm on Easter Sunday.

Then, a week later, Cardiff City and Wrexham will battle it out in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup final.

The Bluebirds are aiming to lift the cup for a fourth straight season, while Steve Dale’s side will be seeking revenge for last year’s loss.

The game will take place on April 27^th at Rodney Parade in Newport. Kick-off is at 5:15pm.

(Featured Image: John Smith/FAW)