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Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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Cardiff lift Welsh Cup after stunning fightback

Cardiff City 3 Swansea City 3

(Cardiff won 5-4 on penalties)   

att: 1,234; at Newport County F.C.

Cardiff City produced a remarkable comeback to retain the Bute Energy Welsh Cup for a fifth year in a row, eventually defeating Swansea City 5-4 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw at Rodney Parade.

Swansea made the perfect start and took the lead on 14 minutes when Chloe Chivers’ looping effort from wide on the right caught out the Cardiff defence and nestled in the far corner.

The Swans carried that momentum into the second half, striking twice in quick succession as Aimee Deacon doubled their advantage before Maisie Miller fired home from distance to make it 3-0 and leave the trophy seemingly within their grasp.

However, Cardiff responded in sensational fashion. Substitute Fiona Barry sparked the fightback on 65 minutes with a delicate lob over the advancing goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. Just four minutes later, Shannon Evans rose highest to head home from a corner, and suddenly the momentum had swung dramatically in Cardiff’s favour.

With Swansea struggling to regain control, Cardiff continued to press and found a dramatic equaliser nine minutes from time. Under pressure from another corner, Jessica Williams turned the ball into her own net, levelling the scores at 3-3 and setting up a tense finale.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, sending the final to a penalty shootout. Both teams showed great composure from the spot, but it was Cardiff who held their nerve, successfully converting all five of their kicks.

Stacey John, on her final appearance for the club, missed her penalty for Swansea, allowing Megan Bowen to step up and score the decisive spot kick. The 5-4 shootout victory completed one of the most memorable comebacks in the competition’s history and ensured Cardiff City lifted the trophy once again.

Cardiff City: Ceryn Chamberlain, Lisa Owen (sub Maddison Perrott 56mins), Hannah Power, Megan Bowen, Laura Curnock (sub Fiona Barry 56mins), Mackenzie Olden (sub Madison Lloyd 90mins), Kerry Walklett, Shannon Evans, Lily Billingham, Mikayla Cook, Helen Evans. Subs not used: Ffion Price, Amy Long.

Swansea City: Amelia Forkings, Lucy Finch, Maddy Murray, Maisie Miller (sub Taite Trivett 73mins), Aimee Deacon (sub Steph Turner 90mins), Chloe Chivers, Stacey John, Ellie Lake, Eilish Mitchell, Caitlin Williams, Jessica Williams. Subs not used: Opal Rayner, Emily Richards, Sammy Wynne.