Bute Energy Welsh Cup holders Cardiff City survived another scare as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Cascade and book their spot in this season’s quarter-finals.
The Bluebirds twice trailed against Penclawdd in Round One and they found themselves behind again in Round Two as Cascade’s Megan Waite – who joined from Cardiff’s U19s in the summer – scored on the half hour mark.
It was not until the 63rd minute that City levelled as Nieve Jenkins bundled the ball home from Molly Kehoe’s corner and the tie appeared set to go to penalties before Kehoe popped up in the fourth minute of stoppage time to score a dramatic winner and spare the Bluebirds’ blushes.
Caldicot Town also came close to causing a shock as they took Barry Town United to penalties following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes at Jubilee Way.
Erin Murray gave the Genero Adran Premier side an early lead, but Caldicot turned the game around to lead by half-time before Murray was forced to go in goal for Barry early in the second half after a red card for ‘keeper Molly Arnesen. It looked to all be going in Caldicot’s favour, but Barry substitute Keira Harris scored an equaliser within a minute of being on the pitch to send the tie to a shootout.
Stand-in ‘keeper Murray would prove to be the hero, saving two of Caldicot’s spot-kicks – while also missing one herself – to allow Ellie Gunney to score the decisive penalty and send Barry through.
Last season’s cup finalists Wrexham ran riot in their Round Two tie as they won 10-0 away at Felinheli.
It was only 2-0 at half-time thanks to a brace from Ava Suckley, before the forward completed her hat-trick after the break alongside two goals each for Rosie Hughes and Katie Sharp. Brooke Cairns, Rebecca Pritchard and Amber Lightfoot also found the net.
Briton Ferry Llansawel were also big winners away from home as they triumphed 11-1 against third tier Penydarren.
The Reds were 7-0 up at half-time as Laura-May Walkley bagged a hat-trick, plus two goals for Fleur Jenkins and one each for Megan Kearle and Alison Witts. Substitutions early in the second half slowed Ferry’s rhythm, but Aimee Heath and Lexi Clayton added their names to the scoresheet before a late brace for Lucy Powell. Amy Davies scored a stoppage time consolation for Penydarren.
Pontypridd United are the only non-Genero Adran Premier side in the quarter-finals following their 3-0 win away at Johnstown. 17-year-old Lauren Payne scored twice, either side of a goal for fellow teenager Nicole Fenton.
Three-time cup winners Swansea City booked their quarter-final spot with a 3-0 win away at Carmarthen Town, but their third tier hosts did not make it an easy encounter.
It was goalless at the break at the LHP Stadium, before Emily Richards’ long range strike broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. Sammy Wynne doubled the advantage soon after and then turned provider for substitute Jasmine Guymer to score in stoppage time.
Genero Adran Premier strugglers Aberystwyth Town boosted their confidence with an 8-0 victory away at NFA. Libby Isaac and Jess Baker both scored twice, alongside one goal each for Hannah Davies and Amy Jenkins. NFA’s woes were compounded by own goals from Amy Webster and Mana Daneshvar.
A stellar second half performance saw The New Saints progress with a 6-0 win away at Genero Adran North leaders Llandudno.
It was goalless at the break at the Go Goodwins Stadium but quickfire goals from Maria Francis-Jones and Grace Dunkerley soon put TNS in control, before 17-year-old Olivia Buckland scored her first goal for the club and Lia Lewis, Lexi Jones and Helen Evans all found the net late on.
The Bute Energy Welsh Cup Round Three draw will be broadcast on RedWall+ at 8pm on Wednesday 20 November.
