Genero Adran Leagues
The New Saints delivered a shock 1-0 victory over reigning Genero Adran Premier champions Cardiff City on the opening day at Park Hall, marking Cardiff’s first season opening defeat in five years.
The Bluebirds dominated early, with Lily Billingham, Mackenzie Olden, and Fiona Barry all going close. However, TNS turned the tide after the break, capitalising on a mix-up when Cardiff goalkeeper Ceryn Chamberlain miscontrolled Nieve Jenkins’ back pass, allowing Chantelle Teare to slot into an empty net just before the hour. Resilient defending secured a statement win for TNS’ new manager Jodie Williams, despite Cardiff’s late push for an equaliser.
Wrexham kicked off new manager Jenny Sugarman’s tenure with a stunning 5-2 comeback victory away at last season’s runners-up Briton Ferry Llansawel. Ferry, under new boss Rhys Thomas, raced to a 2-0 lead through Jade Crofts and Megan Kearle within 32 minutes. Wrexham responded in stoppage time with a spectacular long range strike from debutant Mariam Mahmood, and Ava Suckley levelled from Carra Jones’ corner two minutes after the restart. Katie Barker, also on her debut, put Wrexham ahead with a low drive, before substitutes Rosie Hughes and Nat Clark sealed the points, Hughes tucking in a rebound and Clark finishing a goalmouth scramble.
Yzzy Taylor’s first match as Swansea City’s permanent manager ended in a 4-0 beating of Barry Town United at Jenner Park. Chloe Chivers opened the scoring with a stunning free kick just two minutes in. Barry’s Sienna Stone struck the woodwork, but their hopes faded when goalkeeper Molly Arnesen was sent off for fouling Aimee Deacon on 23 minutes. Chivers doubled the lead after the hour, firing in from Deacon’s cross after Stacey John’s clever dummy, before John and substitute Emily Richards completed the scoring.
Pontypridd United’s return to the Genero Adran Premier after a year away ended in a 2-0 defeat to Aberystwyth Town at USW Sports Park. Teenager Modlen Gwynne broke the deadlock four minutes before half time with a low drive, and Carys Bufton sealed the win midway through the second half, finishing neatly from Lily Moralee Hughes’ precise cross. The result marked a winning start for Aberystwyth’s new manager Rhys Jon James.
The Genero Adran Trophy group stages began with late drama across the eight matches played on Sunday.
Group 1
Taffs Well earned a 2-2 draw against Cwmbran Celtic at Rhiw Dda’r, thanks to Michaela Major’s 89th minute equaliser on her debut. Lauren Boyd’s brace for Celtic was matched by Rianne Jones and Major. Cascade YC lead the group after a 2-0 home win over Penybont, with Chrystalla Moreton and Olivia Townsend getting on the scoresheet.
Group 2
Cardiff Met Women secured a 2-0 win over Llanelli Town, with Celyn Garton’s first club goal and Anna Houghton’s strike earning a first competitive home victory since April 2024. Pure Swansea (formerly Swansea University) meanwhile edged out Carmarthen Town 1-0, with 17-year-old Isabel O’Sullivan scoring her first senior goal.
Group 3
Connah’s Quay Nomads opened with a 1-0 win over Berriew, Polly Wild-McGregor slotting home the only goal of the game from Ella Jones’ pass. Llandudno beat Felinheli 2-1 in the other game, with Olivia Rigby and Jasmin Dutton scoring either side of Katie Midwinter’s equaliser.
Group 4
Flint Town United clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Llanfair United, with debutant Rebecca Eagles scoring twice, including a stoppage time winner. Llangefni Town entered the competition at the eleventh goal following Rhyl’s withdrawal but their first game ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bangor, where Menna Evans’ sublime lob proving decisive, while Catrin Roberts’ saves secured a rare home clean sheet.
