Adran Trophy,

Round Two

Pontypridd Town AFC Women 2

Abergavenny Women 2

(3-5 on penalties)

FOLLOWERS of the Pennies had no doubt they could clinch cup victory at Adran Premier outfit Pontypridd Town on Sunday, reports ANDREW KENNEDY.

After the FAW’s controversial women’s league revamp at the end of last season, when Aber were “unjustly” demoted from the top flight after finishing fourth best in Wales, they didn’t need any more motivation against their Tier 1 hosts.

And after a 2-2 draw at normal time, they held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out, keeper Charlotte Hastings saving one before blasting the decider.

Although billed as underdogs on paper, having knocked-out Swansea University Ladies 6-1 in round one, it was clear from the outset the Pennies were in determined mood.

For a ‘neutral’ in the crowd, what transpired was a fantastic advert for the women’s game in Wales, but at times it was tense for both camps and definitely a ‘game of two halves’.

On a 4G surface, the intensity, speed, movement and determination displayed by the away side saw Pontypridd Town unable to gain a real foothold in the first 45 minutes, such domination being rewarded by two Abergavenny goals.

In the 30th minute Caitlin Davies held the ball up, turned the defender and slid the ball through to Lyndsey Davies to fire home.

And five minutes later Caitlin was rapidly attacking goal when her arm was held back in a foul.

From the free-kick, Mali Summers faced a three-player wall and drove the ball towards the far post, where Lauren Boyd launched herself above everyone to execute a perfect header.

Two goals down at half-time, the home side found new vigour, with Alison Witts (55 minutes) and then Ellie Gunney (64 minutes) bringing the scores level.

Substitutions for the Pennies on 74 and 81 minutes saw Davies giving way to Eliza Atkins, and U19 player Meg Stanton in her 1st XI debut replacing defender Elena Scrivens.

It was a clear sign that boss Craig Morgan-Hill was determined to win in the 90, with both new players driving forward with zest.

But the deadlock could not be broken and the match went to penalties.

The two goalies got ready, Maisie Jones for Pontypridd and Hastings for Abergavenny, and the shoot-out began.

First up was Mali Summers, who kept the ball low and scored, with Anais Trinci of Pontypridd following suit, as did Lauren Boyd and then Alana Murphy.

Next for Abergavenny was Olivia Barnes who made it 3-2 for the visitors.

Hastings then foiled Renee Day’s attempt to give the momentum to Abergavenny.

But few onlookers expected to see Stanton step up for the next shot.

Showing great spirit on her debut, the youngster volunteered and soaked up the pressure to deliver a powerful penalty straight down the middle to beat the goalie for 4-2.

Then, under huge pressure, Cerys Bufton kept the home team’s hopes alive to make it 4-3.

There was just one more penalty to take for Abergavenny, score this and the team was through to round three.

And not content with saving one, Hastings now stepped up for the vital kick, blasting the ball top-right into the back of the net with an unstoppable shot to secure victory.

Charlotte said: “The team worked hard from start to finish. We dominated first half, second half Pontypridd put up a huge fight to take the game to penalties.

“I was asked if I wanted to take one and I couldn’t refuse, so glad we are through, another step forward to where we want to be.”

Craig Morgan-Hill was also “happy to get through to the quarter-finals where we will meet another tough test in facing (Tier 1) Aberystwyth”.

“It was a tough game today, we dominated the first half and were in full control,” he added. “The girls worked so hard and played some unreal football at times.

“The second half, Ponty came out and, whilst I didn’t think we played bad, they were the better team and managed to get back into the game.

“Penalties is a lottery and I’m just glad we came out the other side.

“The biggest pleasing aspect today was the girls’ attitude. Things weren’t going our way but we kept going and gave it everything and had two chances to win at the end.

“A really fantastic game of football – I’m glad we came out on top.”

This Sunday (January 23) sees league action return to Pen-Y-Pound stadium, when the league leaders take on Talycopa, kick-off 2pm.