The Genero Adran Trophy group stage continued on Sunday with the second round of fixtures, with some clubs having the opportunity to book their spots in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Group 2
Connah’s Quay Nomads booked their place in the Genero Adran Trophy knockout stage with a 3-0 victory away to Berriew.
The Nomads announced the statement signing of Wrexham legend Rosie Hughes just a few hours before kick-off and the all-time leading Genero Adran North top scorer took just 26 minutes to open her account for her new club as Lily Manchester’s interception fell straight into the path of the prolific striker, who slotted beneath Ayesha Jones to break the deadlock.
Berriew had the chance to equalise immediately as they were awarded a penalty following Libby Mackenzie’s foul in the area, but Faye Moseley got down low to deny Gemma Jones’ spot kick and keep the Nomads in front, with Hughes also producing clever work to hook the loose ball away when the rebound looked destined to be put into the net.
Mel Barlow’s dipping volley from distance doubled Connah’s Quay’s lead before half time before the midfielder swung in a teasing cross into Aimee Redfern, who headed into the net via the underside of the crossbar to put the visitors in the ascendancy. Andy Griffiths’ side saw out the remainder of the match to guarantee themselves progression from Group 2.
Wrexham Foresters boosted their knockout hopes with a scintillating 11-0 win over Llandudno at the Go Goodwins Stadium in the other Group 2 fixture.
Savannah Miller and Jess Sayers scored either side of a quickfire brace from Anna Thomas before captain Kirstie Kural also added her name to the scoresheet to put the Foresters 5-0 up at half time.
There was no let up from the away side as Sayers bagged herself a brace, along 16-year-old Evie Wigley. Sophie Baker got in on the act with her first senior goal for the club to make it nine before Thomas completed her hat-trick to reach double digits, with Miller having the final say to round off an emphatic display. The Foresters now must avoid defeat at home against Berriew in their final group game to reach the knockouts.
Group 3
Cwmbran Celtic secured a place in the last 16 with a 5-0 victory over Penybont at the Motazone Arena in Group 3.
Hollie Channing got things rolling for Celtic midway through the first half moments before Macey Morris received Gracie Grosvenor’s through ball, held off Maisy Fahey-Pennell and slotted home to double the advantage.
Fiona Anthony’s strike from inside the six-yard box gave Celtic daylight seven minutes into the second half. Cerys Shipley added a fourth goal from distance before Kaitlin Smith rounded off a five-star display by tapping home from point-blank range despite the best efforts of Poppi Coggins to deny her.
Cascade moved up to second-place in Group 3 with a 2-0 win over Pure Swansea at the CCB Centre.
Ffion Simmonds broke the deadlock for Cascade on 67 minutes before Nicole Fenton’s first goal for the club sealed a hard-fought win. Cascade are now two points clear inside the qualification spots heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Group 4
Rosina Hill’s late penalty earned Llanrumney United their first ever point in the Genero Adran Trophy as they played out a 3-3 draw with Carmarthen Town at The Jamie Burley Group Stadium in Group 4.
Llanrumney took the lead inside just nine minutes as Hill set up Jodie Newman for her first goal of the season. Romilly Slee’s header from a corner pulled Carmarthen level, but the hosts restored their advantage two minutes later through Hill.
Jasmine Guymer’s deft lob over Chrissy Kidley made it two apiece early in the second half before Lili Ellis scored from Meg Roberts’ cutback on her senior debut to put the Old Gold ahead with five minutes of normal time remaining.
It seemed Ellis’ strike was going to confirm Carmarthen’s place in the knockout stage, but they were denied victory in stoppage time as Hill converted from the penalty spot.
Pontypridd United also missed the chance to confirm their progression from Group 4 as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Cambrian United at USW Sports Park.
Pontypridd made the perfect start as Robyn Lloyd’s third goal of the competition already put the hosts ahead after just two minutes played.
Lloyd’s opener remained the difference for over an hour, but Cambrian salvaged a point in stunning fashion as Kierra Deeks ran onto the loose ball from Tiffany Davies’ blocked cross and sent a powerful first-time effort into the top corner, leaving Teigan Dinwoodie hardly any chance of the save.
No team from Group 4 is eliminated heading into the final round of group fixtures. Carmarthen and Pontypridd sit on four points each, while Llanrumney and Cambrian keep their knockout hopes alive by earning their first ever points in the competition.
Genero Adran Trophy weekend results in full:
Group 1
Flint Town United P-P Felinheli
Llanfair United P-P Bangor City 1876
Group 2
Berriew 0-3 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Llandudno 0-11 Wrexham Foresters
Group 3
Cascade 2-0 Pure Swansea
Cwmbran Celtic 5-0 Penybont
Group 4
Llanrumney United 3-3 Carmarthen Town
Pontypridd United 1-1 Cambrian United
