Swansea City gained the bragging rights against Cardiff City as Stacey John-Davis’ strike proved decisive in a 1-0 win at the Swansea.com stadium on Sunday evening.
Keen to perform for the 2,225 crowd in attendance, the Swans started quickly as both Emily Thomas and Robyn Pinder tested Ceryn Chamberlain in the Bluebirds goal. Lisa Owen had the visitors’ best chance of the first half as she intercepted Nia Jones on the right hand side but blazed a shot over the bar.
Swansea found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half as a loose pass from Shannon Evans allowed Stacey John-Davis to race into the area, round Chamberlain and fire into the back of the net despite the best efforts of Nieve Jenkins’ challenge.
It was a first defeat of the campaign for the reigning champions, while Swansea move level on points with league leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel who were held to a 1-1 draw by The New Saints at Park Hall.
The Reds took the lead on 33 minutes through Alison Witts, who was played in by Maia Owen and turned the ball home at the second time of asking after her initial effort struck the crossbar.
However, their advantage lasted only eight minutes as Molly Havard made it three goals in four matches since signing for the Saints in the summer by firing a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Ferry goalkeeper Courtney Young received a straight red card on the hour mark for her foul on Chantelle Teare, but the visitors held on for a point as teenage centre-back Olivia Kett-White came on between the sticks.
Wrexham earned their first win of the season as Steve Dale’s side triumphed 3-1 away to Aberystwyth Town.
After a goalless opening hour, Wrexham took the lead in the 61st minute as Aber defender Libby Isaac turned Liv Fuller’s free-kick into her own net.
Amber Lightfoot doubled the lead 15 minutes later as she latched on to Abbie Iddenden’s pass and coolly slotted past Sophie Steele, before Aber instantly halved the deficit through Imogen Scourfield’s long range strike which flew into the net via the underside of the crossbar.
However, Wrexham would restore their two-goal advantage moments later thanks to Carra Jones, who received Lili Jones’ through ball and fired beyond Steele from a tight angle.
Barry Town United made it back-to-back wins with an emphatic 5-1 victory away to Cardiff Met.
Erin Murray and Amy Long both returned to Cyncoed Campus to haunt their former club as the duo put Barry two goals to the good at the interval.
Long turned provider for another former Archer Ellie Preece, who added a third midway through the second half, before summer signing Keira Harris scored her first Genero Adran Premier goal to make it 4-0 two minutes later.
Barry captain Emily Freeman produced a stunning strike to add her name to the scoresheet in the 73rd minute, before Met substitute Cerys Jones notched a consolation goal two minutes later.
Genero Adran Premier results
Aberystwyth Town 1-3 Wrexham
The New Saints 1-1 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Cardiff Met 1-5 Barry Town United
Swansea City 1-0 Cardiff City
