Connah’s Quay Nomads became the first tier two side to book a spot in this season’s Genero Adran Trophy knockout stage with a 2-1 home win over Llandudno in Group 1.
Jordan Parry’s side made a fast start to the game as Phoebe Ellis’ corner was steered home by Aimee Redfern after just two minutes, before summer signing Natasha Spearing produced a smart finish from Sophie Hodson’s cross to double the lead with 25 minutes played.
Llandudno forward Ella Jones had the chance to get her side back in the game just before the hour mark, but saw her penalty saved by Nomads goalkeeper Molly France. Jones would eventually get on the scoresheet in the 88th minute, but it was too little too late for the Seasiders to stage a comeback.
For Llandudno to progress, they must now avoid defeat in their final group match against Bangor, who kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive with an emphatic 7-1 away win at NFA.
Bangor raced into a three goal-lead inside the first 20 minutes as Ashleigh Jones scored twice before she set up teenager Ella Pickstock, who bagged his first senior goal for the club.
Mia Wall pulled a goal back for NFA in the 35th minute, but a second half hat-trick from Mia Roberts within the space of 14 minutes and a strike from Erin Basinger wrapped up a dominant display from the visitors. Defeat for NFA means they are eliminated from the competition.
In Group 2, Flint Town United took a step closer to reaching the last 16 on their debut in the competition as they ran out 3-1 victors away at Rhyl 1879.
Flint broke the deadlock with their first real attack of the match in the 24th minute as Jennifer Haynes slotted home for her third goal in two group matches.
Rhyl got themselves back on level terms early in the second half through Chelsea Evans, but a quickfire brace from Flint teenager Ruby Hastings ensured the Silkwomen made it two wins from two games in the group stage.
However, they are not yet assured of a knockout stage spot, as Llanfair United kept Group 2 alive with a 3-2 win over Felinheli thanks to Becky Jones’ stoppage-time strike.
Jenna Tugwell-Allsup continued her bright start to the season for Felinheli as she opened the scoring midway through the first half, but goals from Sophie Cook and Harriet Davies eight minutes either side of half-time turned the game around in Llanfair’s favour.
Tugwell-Allsup equalised for the visitors in the 76th minute and her finish seemed to have earned her side a point, but Jones popped up with a goal in the first minute of stoppage time to seal victory for Llanfair.
In the Southern section, Swansea University moved to the top of Group 3 with a 3-1 home win over Caldicot Town.
The two sides were level at the break as Kennesha Nanette’s strike cancelled out JJ Maddock’s opener for Swansea Uni.
However, the Swans restored their lead through Kay Hateley ten minutes into the second half, before Hannah Perkins sealed victory in the 72nd minute.
Cascade bounced back from their Matchday 1 defeat to Caldicot by triumphing 1-0 on home turf against Llanelli Town.
It was a dramatic victory for Brendan Donohoe’s side, as the winning goal arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time courtesy of Megan Waite, who signed from Cardiff City in the summer.
Penybont climbed to the top of Group 4 with a 3-1 win at home to wildcard entrant Cambrian United.
Arwen Williams put Bont ahead seven minutes before half-time, while their lead was doubled just after the hour mark by Casey Daniels.
Substitute Freya Grandin wrapped up the win in the 90th minute, before Cambrian got on the scoresheet in the second minute of stoppage time as Tayla Gould bagged a consolation goal.
Penybont need just one point from their last group fixture against Pontypridd United to reach the knockout stage, while Cambrian must beat Cwmbran Celtic by a considerable margin to have any chance of progressing.
Pontypridd missed the chance to book their knockout stage spot as they were beaten 5-4 by Cwmbran Celtic in arguably the weekend’s most thrilling encounter.
Ponty had the advantage at the break as goals from Lucy Jones and Sophie McMullen cancelled out Jade Crofts’ opener for the away side. It was a frantic start to the second half with Crofts’ second of the afternoon, followed by Lauren Boyd’s strike putting Celtic ahead, only for McMullen to find the net two minutes later to make it three apiece.
Celtic restored their lead through Fiona Anthony, but were instantly pegged back once again as Ponty forward Nicole Fenton scored her second goal of the season.
However, there was finally relief for Celtic as Crofts completed her hat-trick in the 82nd minute with her third goal turning out to be the winner.
Weekend results in full:
Group 1
Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 Llandudno
NFA 1-7 Bangor
Group 2
Llanfair United 3-2 Felinheli
Rhyl 1879 1-3 Flint Town United
Group 3
Cascade 1-0 Llanelli Town
Swansea University 3-1 Caldicot Town
Group 4
Penybont 3-1 Cambrian United
Pontypridd United 4-5 Cwmbran Celtic
