Genero Adran Leagues
Holders The New Saints advanced to the semi finals of the Genero Adran Trophy with a commanding 5-1 victory over Pontypridd United at Park Hall on Sunday.
Pontypridd stunned the home side by taking the lead after just 37 seconds, as Madison Lloyd capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to finish from close range – extending her impressive run to goals in each of her last six appearances across all competitions.
However, TNS swiftly turned the tie around. Lexie Harrison's strike clipped the post on its way past Anna Phelps to equalise, before Maria Francis-Jones scored directly from a corner to put the hosts ahead by the half hour mark. Another corner proved decisive in first half stoppage time, with Tiggy Webb heading in Grace Dunkerley's delivery to make it 3-1.
Harrison and Francis-Jones both added second goals after the break, completing braces as Mike Harris's side delivered a convincing performance to continue their title defence.
Cardiff City stormed into the last four with a resounding 6-0 win over rivals Swansea City – the heaviest margin in the 20 previous encounters between the sides. The Bluebirds raced into a two-goal lead within 11 minutes, Hannah Power heading home Fiona Barry's cross before Kerry Walklett fired past Amelia Forkings. Mackenzie Olden's fine strike into the far corner extended the advantage shortly before half time.
Meg Bowen added a close range finish in the second half and Barry helped herself to a brace to round off the scoring, ensuring Iain Darbyshire's team avoided back-to-back quarter-final exits.
Genero Adran Premier leaders Wrexham needed penalties to overcome a plucky Aberystwyth Town 5-4 on spot kicks following a dramatic 2-2 draw at The Rock, reaching consecutive semi finals. The Red Dragons hit the bar twice in a frustrating first half through Hannah Snape and Mariam Mahmood, but broke the deadlock early in the second when Rosie Hughes converted the rebound after Katie Barker's shot was saved.
Lily Moralee-Hughes equalised for Aberystwyth on 72 minutes, latching onto Rebecca Mathias's long ball before firing home. Jodie Bartle's low drive restored Wrexham's lead eight minutes later, but Millie Gardner's tap in from a Lita Egan cross in the seventh minute of added time forced penalties.
Both teams converted their first four kicks, but Imogen Scourfield struck the post with Aberystwyth's fifth, allowing Faye Knox to net the decisive penalty.
Briton Ferry Llansawel also secured a semi final berth for the second season running, defeating Barry Town United 2-0 at the Renewable Energy Centre Stadium. Jade Crofts opened the scoring after just eight minutes, finishing Laura-May Walkley-Witts' through ball past Molly Arnesen. Walkley-Witts turned provider again early in the second half, setting up Maia Owen to slot home and double the lead.
Rhys Thomas' side comfortably saw out the game, recording a fourth consecutive home victory and a third straight clean sheet in all competitions.
