Women’s football fixtures are rare during the festivities but Billericay Town, Solihull Ladies United and Swansea City won cup ties, while Middlesbrough won a friendly.
Swansea City finished top of the Orchard Welsh Premier League Cup Group 1 to set up a semi-final tie with Port Talbot Town.
Chloe Chivers and Emma Beynon had the Swans two up at the break, although both Catherine Walsh and Zoe Atkins were denied by the wodwork for Cardiff City FC. Tija Richardson headed home a Katy Hosford corner moments after the interval but Kate Jeremiah then pulled one back. Lauren Smith made it 4-1 late on and also won and took a penalty which was saved, Ellie Lake turning home the rebound.
Cardiff finish as group runners up and will face Cardiff Met in the semi-finals to be played on 23rd February. A draw will take place on 7 January to decide who will have home advantage in the ties,
Billericay Town went through to the Reposs Isthmian League Cup semi-finals with victory away to Worthing. A Therese Addison hat-trick helped the FA WNL side eliminate the South East Counties Premier League leaders 5-0 but they had to wait until the 48th minute to make the breakthrough.
Solihull Ladies United won 2-1 away in a League Cup quarter-final tie at fellow West Midlands Premier Division title hopefuls Leek Town. Laura Smith and Hayley Wilford struck in the first half, Katie Gibbons later reducing the arrears.
Middlesbrough won a friendly 2-1 at North East League side Redcar Town. First-half goals from Emma Brown and Jasmine McQuade gave Boro victory despite a late scare caused by Gabrielle Wordsworth’s reply.
