Sunday 29th January (2pm)
ORCHARD WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Cardiff Met v Swansea City (Cyncoed Campus)
Port Talbot Town v Abergavenny (Port Talbot Town FC)
“I felt that the team’s drive and determination really shone through in the game,” explained Swansea City goalscorer Lowri Ridings as she reflected on last Sunday’s win.
“We battled well to secure the win, and it feels amazing to get on the scoresheet, especially in such a big game. With another week of training, we’re hoping for a similar result in the cup match against Cardiff Met next Sunday.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Meg Franks, who played her first full match for the side last weekend. “It felt great to get my first full appearance,” she said. “I’m pleased that I got the chance to play alongside my team mates and help secure the three points against last season’s champions. As we team we showed great composure, we dug deep and fought hard. Despite our win, I’m sure Sunday’s game will be a tougher test. However, as a team we feel ready for the challenge ahead and believe we will be victorious once again.”
Swansea City (pictured after winning the cup last year) reached the semi-final of the competition with a 3-0 victory away at Llandudno last month, and manager Ian Owen was full of praise for his side and the qualities that have enabled them to open up a four point lead at the top of the table. “We have a group of players who are always striving to better themselves,” he said. “Their dedication and commitment is admirable and they are a pleasure to coach. It was a very important win for us (against Cardiff Met) and it’s a great confidence booster. They changed tactically after the red card so the game was still very competitive, but my team played extremely well, and thoroughly deserved the win.”
Meanwhile, Abergavenny – who were runnes-up in the cup last season under their previous name of PILCS – have been making a big impression on the Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League table this season, and are still challenging in all three competitions.
“Overall we’re happy with the season that we have had so far,” explained manager Richie Jeremiah this week as his side prepare to take on Port Talbot. “To be second in the table and still in both cup competitions at this stage is definitely something we would have taken at the start of the season, so there are plenty of positives for us. Our away form has been particularly good, and I think we are probably still adjusting to the size of our home pitch. We have two cup games coming up, and it’s something we’re really looking forward to. Both cup competitions are important to us and it certainly isn’t a distraction to our league campaign.”
The side travel to Port Talbot on Sunday for the second time this season boosted by a 3-0 victory away to Rhyl. “Last weekend was a good performance,” Jeremiah added. “We prepared properly by staying over the night before and I think that really made a massive difference to us. However, we had a couple of injuries, which doesn’t help us heading into the semi-final on Sunday. Although we beat Port Talbot 3-0 earlier in the season, it was one of our toughest games. We had to be patient as they went out to frustrate us and it worked for the first hour of the match.”
Abergavenny reached the semi-final with a 5-3 win away at Briton Ferry, while Port Talbot needed extra-time to defeat Aberystwyth Town 6-2. But while Abergavenny head into Sunday’s match high in confidence, Port Talbot will be desperate to make amends after a 10-1 defeat away at Cardiff City FC last Sunday.
Source / photo – welshpremierwomensleague.co.uk
