Cwmbran Celtic Ladies vs Penybont

Celtic went into their opening group match in the Adran Trophy fielding 3 new players in their starting line-up: keeper Marnie Gingell (from Cardiff City), midfielder Katie Williams (from Pontypridd) & Lauren Boyd returning to Celtic after several years at Abergavenny & last season at Cascade.

Penybont fielded 7 new players & they took the lead on 12 minutes when Evans muscled past her marker and crossed from the right for Hood to nip in to score at the far post. On 16 minutes the visitors increased their lead when a cross by Daniels from the left eluded the grasp of Gingell & Evans tapped in from close range. Celtic reduced the arrears on 20 minutes when Boyd took advantage of a dreadful mix-up between the Penybont keeper & defender to stroke the ball into the net.

On 46 minutes Penybont were awarded a dubious penalty when their attacker fell down & the Celtic defender fell over her legs. Justice was done when Gingell made a brilliant diving save from Priday.

On 54 minutes the visitors were awarded another doubtful penalty which was a carbon copy of the first penalty. This time Priday made no mistake from the spot. Celtic pulled a goal back on 65 minutes when substitute Grace O’Reilly played Jade Crofts in to score.

Celtic pressed for the equaliser & Jade Crofts twice went close – a shot saved by the keeper & another shot just wide & Penybont held on to clinch the win.