Aberystwyth Town confirmed their place in the Genero Adran Premier top four with a thrilling 3-3 draw against The New Saints in the final match of phase one.
The Seasiders knew they had to avoid defeat at Park Avenue, but they endured a nightmare start to the contest when Caitlin Chapman’s cross looped over Margot Farnes into the net to give TNS the lead after just 44 seconds.
Gari Lewis’ side recovered well though and they drew level on 33 minutes when captain Amy Jenkins headed home an inviting cross from Modlen Gwynne.
Niamh Duggan put Aber ahead for the first time in the 54th minute by scoring a superb free-kick for the second consecutive weekend, but the Saints were level four minutes later when Lia Lewis lashed in a brilliant first time strike.
The goalscoring flurry continued as Aberystwyth were in front again on the hour mark, with Rebecca Mathias turning the ball home from Duggan’s free-kick delivery.
Mel Barlow, who only signed for TNS from Connah’s Quay Nomads on Friday, came off the bench to equalise on her debut in stoppage time but it was not enough as Greg Draper’s team were condemned to a place in the Plate Conference for phase two.
League leaders Cardiff City lost a Genero Adran Premier match for the first time in nearly two years as rivals Swansea City triumphed 2-0 in the capital.
Chloe Chivers opened the scoring seven minutes before half-time with a stunning 35-yard strike that flew past Ceryn Chamberlain in the Bluebirds goal.
Swans skipper Katy Hosford doubled the advantage in the 81st minute, tapping home Ellie Lake’s cross at the back post to spark wild scenes of celebration from the away side.
Victory means that Swansea now sit five points behind Cardiff going into phase two, with the title race sparked into life again.
Barry Town United concluded their best ever phase one campaign in the Genero Adran Premier with a 2-0 home win over Pontypridd United.
India Shanahan’s third league goal of the season put the Linnets ahead after 21 minutes, as the teenager latched on to Danielle Broadhurst’s pass and coolly slotted home.
It remained a narrow lead until four minutes from time, when Ponty goalkeeper Klaudia Wojtyczka saved an effort from Aimee Deacon only for Hana Bennett to slam home the rebound.
Barry will head into phase two with ambitions of finishing top of the Plate Conference, while Ponty face a significant task to remain in the division as they are still yet to win in the league this season and sit 11 points adrift of safety.
It has been a disappointing phase one for Cardiff Met as they have finished in the bottom half for the first time, but the Archers finished with a spirited 2-2 draw away at third-place Wrexham.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time as Rosie Hughes netted her 13th league goal of the campaign with a strike into the bottom corner.
Met equalised four minutes into the second half as Esme Kilburn-Thompson broke through the Wrexham defence to score, before the visitors took the lead when Anna Houghton capped a lively performance with a goal.
Wrexham have only lost once at home in the league this season though and they claimed a point when Mari Gibbard’s deflected effort defeated Daisy Farrow with nine minutes left on the clock.
Genero Adran Premier results
Aberystwyth Town 3-3 The New Saints
Barry Town United 2-0 Pontypridd United
Cardiff City 0-2 Swansea City
Wrexham 2-2 Cardiff Met
