Abergavenny Women - 2

Cardiff Met. Ladies - 4

ABERGAVENNY travelled to Cardiff for the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup final under no illusions of the uphill task ahead of them against the current league champions.

And on a cold wet afternoon at Leckwith Stadium the Aber ladies gave it their all but it just wasn’t enough to prevent Cardiff Met from lifting the silverware.

The first half saw Abergavenny under pressure and finding it difficult to get a grip on the game.

Consequently it came as no surprise when they fell behind to a well taken O’Connor free kick after 15 minutes.

Former player Vasconcelos doubled their advantage on 25 minutes with a left foot strike from the edge of the box.

Yet it was in the final five minutes of the half that really saw the game come alive.

Abergavenny were awarded a penalty which was blasted against the cross bar by Laura Davies. Moments later, Vasconcelos, having already been yellow carded, was thought by many in the Abergavenny ranks to raise her hands and push Kate Jeremiah after the ball had long gone.

The officials begged to differ and both teams left the field at half time with a few choice words exchanged.

Feeling harshly done by, Abergavenny came out with some fire in their belly and steel in their resolve for the second half.

Ten minutes in a red card was shown to Cardiff Met’s defender and a thunderbolt of a free kick from captain Ceri Hudson made it 2-1 and game on.

However 10 minutes later a Vasconcelos strike restored the advantage, and when a fourth followed quickly after, the final was decided.

Lyndsey Davies made it 4-2 with 20 minutes remaining but despite the Aber ladies giving it their best efforts it wasn’t to be their day.

Manager Richie Jeremiah remained proud of his players response in the second half, and having reached three cup finals in as many years the squad now look forward to 2018.