Genero Adran Trophy holders The New Saints continued their defence of the cup with a 5-1 quarter-final victory over Pontypridd United at Park Hall on Sunday.Â
Ponty remarkably took the lead just 37 seconds into the contest thanks to Madison Lloyd’s close-range finish in the midst of a goalmouth scramble – the striker has now scored in each of her last six appearances in all competitions.
However, TNS had turned the game around by the half hour mark as Lexie Harrison’s effort found a way beyond Anna Phelps via the post before Maria Francis-Jones scored directly from a corner. It was another corner that led to the hosts’ third goal in first half stoppage time as Tiggy Webb headed home from Grace Dunkerley’s delivery.
Harrison and Francis-Jones both completed braces in the second half as Mike Harris’ side wrapped up a convincing display.
Cardiff City stormed into the semi-finals with an emphatic 6-0 win over rivals Swansea City at Llandarcy.
The Bluebirds made a lightning start to the contest and were two goals ahead inside 11 minutes as Hannah Power headed home from Fiona Barry’s cross before Kerry Walklett fired past Amelia Forkings. Mackenzie Olden’s sweetly-struck effort into the far corner made it 3-0 shortly before half-time.
Meg Bowen’s close-range finish followed by a brace from Barry in the second half ensured Iain Darbyshire’s side avoided consecutive quarter-final exits, with the result proving to be the largest winning scoreline in 20 previous meetings between the two rivals.
Current Genero Adran Premier leaders Wrexham required penalties to edge past Aberystwyth Town at The Rock and reach a second Genero Adran Trophy semi-final in a row.
The Red Dragons were left frustrated in the first half as Hannah Snape and Mariam Mahmood both saw strikes denied by the crossbar, but they eventually found the breakthrough two minutes into the second half as Rosie Hughes tucked away the rebound after Katie Barker’s effort was saved.
Lily Moralee-Hughes latched onto Rebecca Mathias’ long ball and fired home to pull Aberystwyth level on 72 minutes, but Wrexham restored their lead eight minutes later thanks to Jodie Bartle’s low strike into the bottom corner.
That looked to have sent the hosts through, but Aber found a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Millie Gardner tapped home at the back post from Lita Egan’s cross.
Both sides scored their first four penalties each in the shootout, but Imogen Scourfield hit the post with Aber’s fifth to allow Faye Knox to step up and convert the winning spot-kick for Wrexham.
Briton Ferry Llansawel also booked their place in the semi-finals for the second consecutive season as they earned a 2-0 victory over Barry Town United at The Renewable Centre Stadium.
Ferry needed just eight minutes to take the lead as Jade Crofts received Laura-May Walkley-Witts’ through ball and fired beyond Molly Arnesen.
Walkley-Witts was again the provider early in the second half as she slipped in Maia Owen, who slotted home to double the advantage. Rhys Thomas’ side saw out the remainder of the contest to secure a fourth straight home win and a third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
Genero Adran Trophy Quarter-Final results:
Briton Ferry Llansawel 2-0 Barry Town United
Swansea City 0-6 Cardiff City
The New Saints 5-1 Pontypridd United
Wrexham 2-2 Aberystwyth Town (5-4 on penalties)
