Martin Townley and Perry Dobbins combine to deliver excellent coverage of the weekend’s games in Wales’ top leagues. Martin rounds up the action, and Perry‘s photo gallery this week comes from the Adran Premier game between Cardiff City and Cardiff Met (21/3/23).
Above: Cardiff City (blue) get in a shot despite the Cardiff Met defence’s best efforts. Photo: Perry Dobbins.
News in Brief
Cardiff City hit nine past Met after last week’s Adran Trophy final loss. Swansea City maintain pressure on leaders with a win over The New Saints. Abergavenny survival hopes dashed after home loss to Aberystwyth Town.
Long-serving Cardiff Met Manager Yzzy Taylor announces she is to step down after 11 years at the club.
In the Adran South leaders Briton Ferry now need just two points to take the title. They host Caldicot Town on Tuesday night, and a win will confirm them as champions and set up a promotion play-off with Adran North champions Wrexham.
Adran Premier
Cardiff City 9-0 Cardiff Met
The Bluebirds were simply stunning as they took revenge on City rivals Cardiff Met for last week’s defeat in the Adran Trophy Final.
Danielle Broadhurst got the first after seven minutes before a Seren Watkins spot kick after 17 minutes saw City take a two-goal lead. Eliza Collie added the third on 36 minutes. City weren’t done and two from Rhianne Oakley before halftime sent the Bluebirds in 5-0 up.
In the second half, Eliza Collie scored three times, taking her tally for the day to four and Megan Bowen added one as City ran out 9-0 winners. Cardiff City remain seven points clear at the top as we head into the final three games.
A win in their game next week, when TNS are the visitors, will confirm Cardiff City as champions.
Perry Dobbins’ Photo Gallery from Cardiff City v Cardiff Met
Swansea City 4-1 The New Saints
Swansea City are still in the title fight as they came through a tough game against an improving TNS side.
Katy Hosford gave the Swans the lead in the opening minute but TNS fought back and were level after ten minutes. Lucie Platt with her sixth goal of the season. It took the Swans until the 35th minute to retake the lead and Stacy John-Davis hit two in three minutes to send Swansea into the break 3-1 up.
Monet Legall added a fourth in the second half and maintained Swansea’s title chances for another week. City must win their next game against Cardiff Met and hope that Cardiff City drop points if they are to have any chance to win the league.
Pontypridd United 0-0 Barry Town United
Pontypridd United remain top of the Adran Premier Plate Conference after their home draw with Barry Town. The point moves Barry close to safety in the Adran Premier with a nine-point gap over Abergavenny with three to play.
Abergavenny 0-1 Aberystwyth Town
A first-half strike from Emily Thomas was enough to secure Aberystwyth Town all three points against Abergavenny.
The result means that the Seasiders will be playing Genero Adran Premier football again next season – and stay sixth in the table, second in the Plate Conference after the league split at the halfway point.
Manager Gav Allen found himself contending with a limited squad at this late stage of the campaign – naming only two substitutes. But his team stayed well organised and resolute, with Thomas striking in the 15th minute, and the Aber back line fending off pressure from the hosts seeking an equaliser.
Next weekend they travel to Barry Town United – before returning to Park Avenue for their final home game of the season against Abergavenny on Sunday 2nd April (2pm kick-off).
Adran South
Pontardawe Town 1-3 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Briton Ferry went into the game with the knowledge that two wins will ensure they win the Adran South.
The opening of the game was tense as Pontardawe worked hard to stop the Reds from playing. The visitors did take the lead thanks to Chelsea Deacon 22 minutes into the game. After Laura-May Walkley’s shot was saved, Megan Kearle picked up the ball and found Deacon. Pontardawe keeper Bethan Connolly got a hand to the shot, but it wasn’t enough to stop the goal.
Sophie Topper equalised just before half-time as her close-range shot went in. Briton Ferry stepped it up in the second half and from Lucy Powell’s cross, Walkley sent a bullet header into the net.
Another header gave Ferry a 3-1 lead when Lowri Baker nodded home from Megan Kearle’s corner. Briton Ferry will be crowned as Adran South Champions on Tuesday night if they beat Caldicot Town.
Cascade YC 3-1 Swansea University
Cascade YC went into this game knowing they would have to win to keep pressure on leaders Briton Ferry.
Bethan Llyod grabbed the opening goal after 11 minutes with Casey Thomas adding a second before halftime. Llyod added a third in the 65th minute to put Cascade further ahead. Shelbie Parker-Smith pulled a goal back for Swansea, but Cascade picked up the win they needed.
Adran North
Llanfair United 0-1 CPDM Y Felinheli
Felinheli moved into fourth place in the Adran North with a 1-0 win over Llanfair United. A fourth-minute goal for Jordanne Greenough was enough to give the visitors the three points.
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