Bute Energy Welsh Cup
There was no shortage of drama in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup on Sunday afternoon, with upsets, hat-tricks and high-scoring clashes defining an action-packed weekend.
Penybont produced one of the shocks of the round, knocking out top flight Barry Town United on penalties at the DragonBet Stadium. After a cagey goalless draw, Mae Taylor held her nerve to convert the decisive spot kick and send the Genero Adran South side through.
Wrexham Foresters continued their impressive cup run, dispatching Genero Adran North opponents Flint Town United 5-0 away from home. Laura Tobin sparked the victory with an 11-minute hat-trick, before Savannah Miller and Kirstie Kural added to the tally to knock out tier two opposition for the second consecutive round. Kural was also sent off late in the contest.
Madison Lloyd stole the show for Pontypridd United in their derby against Pontypridd AFC, netting a hat-trick in a dominant 6-1 win at USW Sport Park. Lloyd was joined on the scoresheet by Luana D’Ambrosio, who struck twice, and substitute Saoirse Healey in a rampant attacking display.
The New Saints cruised past Bangor at Park Hall, with Caitlin Chapman bagging a hat-trick and defender Tiggy Webb remarkably scoring four in a 10-0 win. Lexi Harrison, Charlotte Crees and Maria Francis-Jones also found the net in the comprehensive victory.
Holders Cardiff City began their defence of the trophy with a commanding 5-0 home win over Cardiff Met Women. Goals from Mackenzie Olden, Laura Curnock, Lucy Malin, Amy Long and Fiona Barry ensured Iain Derbyshire’s side safely booked their place in Round Two.
Last season’s runners-up Wrexham eased through in emphatic style, thrashing NFA 11-0. Rosie Hughes was clinical with four goals, supported by a brace from Fay Knox-Hillier. Carra Jones, Abbie Iddenden, Ava Suckley and Mariam Mahmood – the latter from the penalty spot – completed the scoring in a commanding performance.
Adran South duo Taffs Well and Pure Swansea played out a 3-3 thriller at Rhiw Dda’r, before the visitors triumphed 4-2 on penalties. Pure Swansea led early through Rhian Wilson, with Abby Rose and Megan Davies trading goals in a lively first half. Rianne Jones levelled shortly after the restart before two goals in six minutes ensured the match would be settled from the spot.
Fourth tier Llantwit Fardre pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory away at fellow league leaders Undy. Millie Davies’ early brace put Fardre in control, and although Dani Buckland pulled one back, Abigail Blandford’s composed finish sealed the win.
Llandudno triumphed on penalties away at Llangefni Town, after the hosts had fought back from two goals down in 90 minutes. Goals from Jasmin Dutton and Hannah Owen had put the Seasiders in control, but Ffion Owen and Eleanor Coulson found the net to bring Llangefni level. Llangefni’s Amber Brown missed the decisive penalty in the shootout, allowing Seren Cashen to score the winner for Llandudno.
Briton Ferry Llansawel swept aside third tier Ammanford 7-0, led by a Jade Crofts hat-trick. Megan Kearle, Maia Owen and Manon Thomas also found the net in a commanding team performance.
Cambrian United claimed Rhondda bragging rights, defeating Porth Harlequins 5-2 at Dinas Park. Kelly Isaac and Hazel Lockwood-Jones both struck twice, with Sophie McMullen adding a late fifth to round off the win.
Swansea City sealed a 3-1 victory at Aberystwyth Town. Star performer Chloe Chivers contributed a goal and two assists, setting up efforts for Maddy Murray and Aimee Deacon. Aberystwyth battled hard after the break but could only find a late consolation through substitute Millie Gardner.
Carmarthen Town continued their impressive recent form but left it late to secure a 1-0 win away Goytre AFC, as Jasmine Guymer struck the game’s only goal in the 80th minute.
Finally, Llanystumdwy progressed to Round Two with a 2-1 home win over Pwllheli. Manon Evans’ first half brace proved decisive, as the hosts held on after Hayley Rees-Williams pulled a goal back for Pwllheli.
(faw.cymru)
