Bute Energy Welsh Cup holders Cardiff City survived a scare to kick off their defence of the trophy with a 6-2 win away at Penclawdd in Round One.
A much-changed Bluebirds side twice trailed in the opening 17 minutes as a brace from Alex Davies earned Penclawdd a shock 2-1 advantage. Molly Kehoe equalised just after the half hour mark before City took control in the second half, with the Cayman Islands international scoring again before youngsters Holly Jones, Paige Parsons and Lucy Malin all netted their first senior goals for the club.
Last season’s runners-up Wrexham were the biggest winners in Round One as they triumphed 11-0 away at Llanystumdwy. There were two goals each for Brooke Cairns, Abbie Iddenden and Rosie Hughes, while Liv Fuller, Rebecca Pritchard, Amber Lightfoot, Natalie Clark and Phoebe Davies all found the net once.
There was also a much-needed big win for Aberystwyth Town, who won 8-0 away at Rhyl 1879. The Seasiders currently find themselves bottom of the Genero Adran Premier, but boosted their confidence thanks to braces for Hannah Davies and Lleucu Mathias alongside one goal each for Lily Moralee-Hughes, Imi Scourfield, Libby Isaac and Shauna Chambers.
The New Saints continued their strong start to the campaign with a 6-0 victory away at Pwllheli. Emily Ridge starred with two goals and two assists, as in-form Chantelle Teare also grabbed a brace in addition to one for Helen Evans and Lexi Jones.
The only all-Genero Adran Premier clash in Round One came at Cyncoed Campus where Barry Town United eased to a 5-0 win against Cardiff Met. Chloe Tiley’s goal was all that separated the sides at half-time before the floodgates opened after the break, with Keira Harris scoring twice and Ellie Gunney and Ellie Preece getting in on the act too.
Third tier Carmarthen Town caused arguably the biggest shock of the round as they won 5-1 away at Genero Adran South side Swansea University. Teenagers Grace McDonald and Casi Jones both netted in the first half before quick-fire strikes from Lily Owen and Lani Hogben put the visitors firmly in control after the break. Emily Ilett pulled a goal back for Swansea Uni, but Mali John’s finish late on wrapped up an impressive Carmarthen victory.
Llanelli Town of the Genero Adran South were also knocked out by third tier opposition as Penydarren beat the Reds on penalties following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes. Penydarren came from behind to lead 2-1 before Stacey Webber’s stoppage-time equaliser sent the tie to spot-kicks, but Webber and Nadia Phillips missed from 12 yards to send the SWWGL side through.
The Bute Energy Welsh Cup Round Two draw will be broadcast on RedWall+ at 8pm on Wednesday 23 October.
