Taffs Well vs Cwmbran Celtic Ladies

Match Report

We came away from Rhiw Dda’r disappointed not to have taken all 3 points from this opening Genero Adran Trophy group match against newly promoted Taffs Well. New manager Georgia Shwartz fielded 6 debutants: defender Abigal Jones (from Caldicot), midfield Cerys Pinchard (Cardiff MET), striker Kaitlin Smith (Caldicot), and substitutes Ellie Bidhendy (Cascade), and two 17-year-olds, Ffion Evans from Pontypridd and Mia Peacock, stepping up from last season’s Reserves team

We had 14 shots on goal whereas keeper Amie Preston only had to deal with 3 shots in the whole game and had no chance with the 2 Taffs goals. Congratulations Amie and Jodie on your recent marriage.

We were on top from the outset. Elouise Meaney hit the bar from the edge of the box and Kaitlin Smith raced down the right to see her shot saved by keeper Northmore. In the 19^th minute we took the lead when a punt downfield by Abigal Jones found Lauren Boyd on the left whose trusty left foot found the corner of the net. In the 33^rd minute Taffs Well equalised with their first shot on target, Rianne Jones racing through to take an opportunist goal. Cerys Pinchard’s shot from distance and a header by Fiona Anthony were both saved by Northmore.

We continued to dominate play in the 2^nd half and re-took the lead in the 53^rd minute when a brilliant run and cross down the left by Fiona Anthony found Lauren Boyd at the far post to place another exquisite left foot shot into the corner of the net. Fiona Anthony shot just over the bar, Kaitlin Smith hit the post and shot over the bar and we were made to pay for our missed chances when, on 89 minutes Rianne Jones found Michaela Major in the centre circle totally unmarked and she ran unchallenged towards goal to place the ball past the onrushing Amie Preston to make the final score 2-2.

Given the number of new faces. Georgia should be encouraged by the way this side has quickly knitted together. They played some very attractive football. Elouise Meaney was player of the match and Lauren Boyd was chosen in the Adran South team of the week.

POM: Elouise Meaney