Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup Semi- Finals

The first ever semi-finals of the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup will take place on Sunday January 26 -as Cardiff Metropolitan host Swansea City and Port Talbot travel to Llanidloes. (both 2pm KO’s)

Cardiff Met are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season and will be hoping that home advantage at their new 3G home in Cyncoed will help them reach the inaugural final of this new competition.

Swansea will of course have different ideas and will go into this match after a deserved victory over Wrexham in the WPWL last Sunday.

Llanidloes and Port Talbot drew 1-1 in their League fixture in October but there will be a winner on Sunday as extra time and penalties, if required, will determine who will secure their place in the first ever Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup Final.

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TNS clinch trio of Welsh Premier Awards

Welsh Premier champions The New Saints enjoyed further success on Saturday night at the Corbett Sports WPL Annual Dinner held at St David’s Hotel in North Wales.

TNS picked up a clean sweep of awards with striker Michael Wilde bagging the coveted player of the season award ahead of Airbus UK Broughton’s Lee Owens and Prestatyn’s Andy Parkinson. Wilde also picked up the Golden Boot award as the 30 year old fired in 25 goals this season.

Meanwhile, the excellent Ryan Fraughan took home the prize of young player of the season, the flying wing seeing off opposition from last year’s winner Kai Edwards and Steve Tomassen.

Unsurprisingly, the Saints head coach Carl Darlington clinched the award for Manager of the Season for the second consecutive time, edging out Airbus UK’s director of football Andy Preece.

Other awards handed out on the evening saw Lauren Price of Cardiff City pick up the Women’s player of the season, while Dave Jones of the Daily Post got the unsung hero award.

Finally, Carmarthen Town stalwart Jeff Thomas was honoured with the Long and Meritorious Service Award.

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Cardiff City Ladies claim Welsh Premier crown

Cardiff City Ladies claimed the inaugural Women's Welsh Premier League title after a 5-2 win over Wrexham Ladies.

The title went down to the wire with City knowing a win would almost certainly give them the crown on the final day of the season, having already amassed a vastly superior goal difference over rivals Cardiff Met.

 Danielle Broadhurst and Alicia Davies bagged a brace apiece, while Rachel Rowe was also on target at the Cardiff City Stadium as the team celebrated claiming a league and Cup double.

 Cardiff Met did all they could to upset the apple-cart despite an 8-1 win over Llandudno Junction.

 Emily Brown and Emily Allen both found the net twice for the students, while Dana Hinton, Jaz Thomas and Steph Turner also scored, but it was not enough to clinch the championship.

 In the day's other fixture, Aberystwyth Town were comfortable 4-1 winners over Caernarfon Town.

 Cardiff City will represent Wales in next season's UEFA Women's Champions League.

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Wales and England to square off in Uefa Women’s Under-19s Finals

Wales will play the old enemy England, Denmark and France in this summer’s Uefa Women’s Under-19s Finals.

The draw for the group stages of the competition, which will be the first Uefa tournament held in the country, was made at half-time in the Women’s Cup Final, which saw Cardiff City Ladies win the capital city derby with Cardiff Met Ladies 3-1 at Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets stadium.

The finals will be played in August, with Wales’ group matches seeing them take on Denmark first at Parc y Scarlets on Monday, August 19 at 2pm. They follow that up by facing England at Richmond Park, Carmarthen on Thursday, August 22 at 2pm, before facing France at Conygar Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest on Sunday, August 25 at 3pm.

Group B will see Germany take on the Scandinavian might of Sweden, Finland and Norway.

The draw was made by former Welsh international John Hartson and Uefa officials.

The final itself saw Cardiff City Ladies retain the Cup after goals from Kelly Aldridge, after just two minutes, Nia Jones just after half-time and a penalty from player of the match Paige Stewart.

The students had been level at half-time thanks to a stunning Emily Brown volley, but couldn’t hold on as Cardiff City Ladies hoisted aloft a record 11^th Cup triumph.

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Wales close Algarve Cup with penalties defeat

Wales lost 3-1 to Portugal on penalties after a late equaliser had denied them the victory in normal time.

It was a disappointing end to their 2013 Algarve Cup campaign as they were trying to avenge their opening tournament defeat to the hosts.

After winning, drawing and losing a game in the group stages, they were drawn to play Portugal a second time in the 11^th/12^th place play-off match after finishing third in Group C.

After an even first half, the second half saw attacking intent from Wales, but they couldn’t often finish the chances they were creating.

Substitute Sarah Wiltshire hit one shot straight at the ‘keeper, while fellow sub Natasha Harding headed wide after a Jess Fishlock free-kick was palmed out to her.

Fishlock did fire Wales ahead on 77 minutes, but they couldn’t hold on, and the hosts equalised late on before triumphing on spot kicks.

Wales had used a number of under-19s stars throughout, including handing caps to several new players.

Captain Fishlock believes the experience of tournament football will be invaluable to the younger team members, saying: “It’s absolutely massive for us and our preparations. We've brought a very young squad this year.

“For the reasons we came here for, and what we wanted to do and try and do, we've done very successfully. It’s actually put us in perfect stead to go forward for the rest of the year [and] for our qualifiers, which start in October.”

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Wales to face Portugal again in Algarve Cup

The Wales women’s football team finished their 2013 Algarve Cup group fixtures on four points after beating Mexico in game two and then drawing with Hungary.

The Welsh had tasted defeat against hosts Portugal in their opening game, going down 2-0, but bounced back in the second match to beat Mexico 1-0.

Jess Fishlock showed the form that recently earned her a big move to the USA by winning possession on halfway, driving forward and firing what turned out to be the winning goal in from 25 yards in the first half.

The game gradually became end-to-end attacking football, with the Welsh defence throwing themselves in front of shots and Nicola Davies, currently without a club, impressing in the Welsh goal.

It was a just reward for Wales, who had shown plenty of endeavour in that opening defeat to the Portuguese. It was also a special moment for Amy Thrupp, of PILCS FC, who earned her first cap after coming on as a late substitute.

In the group’s other match, Portugal went down to the Hungarians, meaning that all four sides entered the final round of games level on three points.

Wales entered their last match with Hungary knowing that a win could see them top the group.

They got off to a flier when Chelsea striker Helen Ward spotted the opposing goalkeeper off her line and delightfully chipped the ball in to the net.

They continued to apply the pressure and Fishlock and Ward both went close on more than one occasion.

But Davies also had to be alert at times, and did well to deflect a well-struck free-kick around the post before the break.

Hungary looked more hungry after half-time, and Davies, and the post, had to come to Wales’ rescue.

The pressure told, and Welsh hearts were broken when their opponents finally found the back of the net to leave the final score at 1-1.

In the group’s other game, Mexico thrashed hosts Portugal 3-0 to soar to the top of the group, meaning Wales finished third on goal difference behind Hungary.

The tournament is split in to three groups, with Wales’ Group C containing the four lowest ranked sides. Therefore, they will now face Portugal again on Wednesday (March 13) in the 11^th-place play-off to decide who finishes 11^th and 12^th in the tournament’s overall final standings.

After topping Group A and Group B respectively, Germany will take on the USA in the final on the same day, while Norway and Denmark will contest the third-place play-off after finishing runners up in their respective groups.

Reigning world champions Japan, ranked third in the world behind the USA and Germany, will probably be disappointed at only contesting the fifth-place play-off with China.

The latest Fifa Women’s Rankings will be announced on March 22, with Wales hoping their good performances will result in a climb from their current position of 39^th in the world.

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Wales see Ladd dismissed as they are downed by Portugal

Coventry’s Hayley Ladd saw red as Wales opened their Algarve Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Portugal.

Portuguese captain Edite Fernandes grabbed both goals to condemn the Welsh to defeat, avenging Wales’ victory in last year’s tournament.

Wales started well, Natasha Harding was inches away from connecting with a Sarah Wiltshire cross, before the latter wasted a one-on-one.

But Portugal slowly began to turn the pressure up, and when Wales were a little over-zealous trying to block an attempt at goal a penalty was given. Fernandes stepped up and sent Nicola Davies the wrong way.

She then fired against the crossbar, with Davies, hoping the tournament may help her find a new club, being alert to catch the weak rebound attempt.

In to the second half, a Jess Fishlock free-kick from near the half-way line evaded everybody and forced the home ‘keeper in to a save.

Portugal again hit the woodwork when a seemingly tame cross dropped on to the top of the crossbar on the hour mark, before Fishlock again went close with a cheeky flick off a cross.

On 74 minutes the game was seemingly over when the Portuguese No9 raced on to a through ball and, after rounding Davies, did well to avoid the covering defenders and pick out Fernandes with her cut back, who gratefully slammed home.

The Welsh defeat was compounded first by an injury to Nadia Lawrence, who will now miss the rest of the tournament, before Ladd’s second bookable offence in the last minute.

Amy Wathan will now replace Lawrence in Portugal, with Wales set to play Mexico and Hungary before the final positional play-off match.

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Wales women announce Algarve Cup squad

Wales women’s football manager Jarmo Matikainen has named his squad for the Algarve Cup – to be played in early March.

The annual invitation tournament, held in the Algarve in Portugal, sees top women’s teams from all over the world compete over three group games (March 6, 8 and 11), with a final positional match taking place on March 13.

Welsh star Jessica Fishlock will have a quick return to Europe after recently joining Seattle Reign in the States, while the squad has a young look to it. Seven players plying their trade in Wales, and Chelsea Ladies providing no fewer than four of their stars.

Hosts Portugal and Hungary lie in wait, both of whom Wales defeated at last year’s event, with Mexico the third opponents. Wales’ final group foes last year were the Republic of Ireland, with the teams sharing the spoils.

The final match saw Wales go down to Norway, so they will want to go one better this year.

The event will act as preparation for the forthcoming Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Wales squad:

Nicola Davies - Chelsea

Rhian Nokes - Cardiff City Ladies

Kylie Davies - Chelsea

Lauren Hancock - Cardiff City FC

Carys Hawkins - Sunnana SK

Hayley Ladd - Coventry

Danielle Oates - Blackburn

Lauren Price - Cardiff City FC

Nicola Cousins - Cardiff City Ladies

Loren Dykes - Bristol Academy

Jessica Fishlock - Seattle Reign FC

Michelle Green - Cardiff City Ladies

Sophie Ingle - Chelsea

Angharad James - Bristol Academy

Rachel Hignett - Bristol Academy

Sarah Wiltshire - Watford

Megan Wynne - Watford

Natasha Harding - Bristol Academy

Shan Jones - Caernarfon

Nadia Lawrence - Cardiff City Ladies

Helen Ward (Lander) - Chelsea

One further player to be added to the squad.

Standby:

Alice Evans - Cardiff City Ladies

Gemma Jackson - Blackburn

Kayleigh Green - Cardiff City Ladies

Lauren Townsend - Cardiff City Ladies

Stephanie Turner - Cardiff Met Ladies

Helen Bleazard - Chelsea

Josie Green - Watford

Rachel Rowe - Cardiff City FC

Samantha Quayle - Bristol Academy

Erin Vaughan - Aston Villa

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Womens Welsh Premier League Round Up

Amy Wathan’s first half strike ensured leaders Cardiff City maintained their unbeaten record in the Women's Welsh Premier League, as they edged past Aberystwyth Town 1-0.
Aber, who sit third from bottom, gave the highfliers a real run for their money but Wathan’s 36^th minute effort proved the difference between the two teams. The only downside for the Capital side was the dismissal of Siobhan Walsh late on. Cardiff are now six points clear of nearest rivals Cardiff Met, although the students do have one game in hand over their City rivals.

Shan Jones netted on four occasions to give strugglers Caernarfon an unlikely win at Port Talbot Town with North Walians triumphing 5-3.

Caernarfon were 3-1 up at the interval Anna Jones and Shan Jones (2) on target for the visitors, while Port Talbot's Jess Curran pulled a goal back for the hosts. After the break, there was plenty more goal mouth action with Shan Jones putting the tie to bed with a further two goals. Curran did then bag her second of the afternoon before Gabi Pughsley also struck, but it was not enough for Port Talbot to avoid their seventh defeat.

Elsewhere, a late Stacey John brace helped put gloss on Newcastle Emlyn’s home win over Llandudno Junction. The visitors took the lead thanks to Sophie Owen, but Carys Davies levelled just before the break for Emlyn. The hosts started the second half on the front foot with Josey Bellars giving her side the lead, before a late John double made sure of the points.

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Fishlock set to Reign in America

Wales Women’s football captain Jess Fishlock has announced she will leave Bristol Academy to start an American adventure with Seattle Reign.

The 66-times capped international had previously agreed a new contract to stay with Bristol throughout the 2013 season, but has instead opted to move to the States and compete in the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which begins this spring.

She refused to rule out a return for The Vixens, saying on Twitter: “I would like to thank everyone at Bristol Academy for everything they’ve done for me, I’m sure I haven’t played my last game for them.

“For now I can’t wait to get started in Seattle and look forward to meeting my team-mates as and when I get to the States.”

Following the NWSL Player Allocation on January 13, Fishlock will line-up alongside Team USA superstars Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez at the Starfire Stadium.

The league comprises eight teams, four of them survivors from the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league, with her opponents being Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns, Sky Blue (New Jersey), Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash.

The 26-year-old spent three years at Bristol over two spells, as well as previous spells abroad with AZ Alkmaar in Holland and Melbourne Victory in Australia. That spell in Holland saw Fishlock become the first Welsh Women’s international to play professionally abroad.

Fishlock was a success in the west county, particularly after Bristol Academy formed part of the Women’s Super League in 2011.

She helped the club to the 2011 Women’s FA Cup Final, where they lost 2-0 to Arsenal, as well as the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She twice won the club and fan’s player of the year, made the WSL All-Star Team on one occasion, and picked up the 2012 FA WSL Player’s Player of the Year award.

 A club statement said: “The club would like to thank Jess for her contribution over the last two seasons and wish her all the best for the future.”

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Vale girls given new opportunity to try out football

A new primary schools football league has kicked off in the Vale of Glamorgan to give girls an early introduction to the sport.

Vale Ladies & Girls FC has joined forces with the Vale Council’s Active Young People team to give primary schools the opportunity to meet up once a month and play each other in the world’s most popular sport.

Some 11 schools have so far joined the scheme, giving pupils from Murch Juniors, Albert, Llancarfan, Pendoylan, Romilly, Cadoxton, Sully, Rhws, All Saints, Palmerston and St Helen’s primary schools the chance to play, while they will soon be joined by St Fagan’s Primary School.

The Vale Council’s Active Young People co-ordinator Ben Williams said: “The league involves girls from year three up to year six. It’s giving them another chance to play regular football and also lets them know about the local community clubs that they can join.

“We held a football festival for girls back in the summer which proved to be really successful, while the Women’s Olympic Football being held in Cardiff was also great for raising the profile of the game locally.

“This league aims to build on that momentum and I’d like to say thanks to Luke Williams and Gino Esposito from the Vale Ladies & Girls FC, who are working really hard to provide quality opportunities for local girls to take up the sport both in and out of school.”

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Welsh Women's Premier League Round Up

Cardiff City maintained their unbeaten record in the Welsh Women’s Premier League as the Bluebirds went top with a 7-0 victory at North Hall.

Amy Wathan helped herself to four first half goals before a Hattie Powell brace put the visitors 6-0 ahead at the break, with Jordan Guard adding the only goal of the second half 15 minutes from time.

Cardiff Met kept up the pressure on their capital rivals with a 4-1 away win at Port Talbot Town. The Students struck four times before the break with Jazz Thomas bagging a brace, while Robyn Pinder and Chloe Tucker also found the target.

Newcastle Emlyn had a record breaking day against Caerphilly Castle as they recorded the biggest ever win over the visitors with a 36-0 drubbing, while Bethan Davies’ ten goals was also a record. Caerphilly remain rooted to the basement after conceding over 100 goals in just six matches and have yet to find the target themselves.

Meanwhile, Wrexham remain third after they eased to a 4-1 home success over Aberystwyth. Lowri Edwards, Lindsey Rodgers, Chloe Foster and Jade Davies all struck for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Swansea recorded their fifth win seeing off visiting Caernarfon Town 4-2, while a 66^th minute strike from Aimee Todd was enough for Llandudno Junction to defeat Llandiloes 1-0. 

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Cardiff maintain unblemished record

Cardiff City Ladies continue to blow away all opposition in the Welsh Women’s Premier League, demolishing Llandudno Junction 11-1 as they maintained their unblemished record with a fifth straight victory.

Danielle Broadhurst and Catherine Walsh both helped themselves to hat-tricks in the one-sided rout, Hattie Powell struck a brace while Emma Jones, Amy Wathan and a Claire Colville own goal completed the scoring for the hosts.

Llandudno did manage a Hollie Farr strike just before the interval but it proved to be little consolation as the capital side looked very much like champions elect.

It is the other Cardiff side that head the table though, with student outfit Cardiff Met three points clear as they picked up their sixth win, defeating visiting Llanidloes 3-1 but were made to work for their victory.

Gemma Lloyd found the target for the visitors after 21 minutes but a second half fightback led by striker Hannah Billingham (2) took the fight out of their opposition, and the Met made sure of the points five minutes from time when Adele Hooper tapped in.

Meanwhile, a fourth win of the season looked on the cards for Port Talbot Town when Courtney Thomas gave them the lead at Wrexham, but their advantage was short-lived with the North Walians cruising to a 5-1 success.

Elsewhere, a Laura Pennington treble helped Northop Hall dispatch Caernarfon Town 5-0, while a late Stacey John effort saw Newcastle Emlyn bag a 1-0 triumph at Aberystwyth.

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Students demolish Castle

Cardiff Met Ladies were the big winners of the day in the Women’s Welsh Premier when they handed out an 18-0 drubbing of league strugglers Caerphilly Castle on Sunday at Cyncoed.

The reigning champions wasted no time in stamping their authority over proceedings when striker Emily Brown pounced inside the opening minute to fire the students ahead.

Caerphilly were unable to get to grips with the dynamic striker as Brown netted eight in total, while Adele Hooper also had a fine afternoon finding the target five times. Jas Thomas, Steff Turner, Emily Allen, Dani Hinton and Hannah Billingham also found the net in the one sided affair.

It has been a steep learning curve for Castle so far this season with the Caerphilly side rooted to the bottom of the table having conceded 51 times in only four matches.

Cardiff City, meanwhile, leapt up the table to second after they saw off Swansea 3-0, with Catherine Walsh netting a brace. Walsh put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute but the Bluebirds were largely restrained by the Swans as they looked to work themselves back into the match. However, two late goals broke the hosts' hearts with Walsh and Amy Wathan finding the target for the highfliers.

Port Talbot Town had to come from behind before they comfortably dispatched Northop Hall 7-1.

An Andrea Reece spot kick put Northop in front after only three minutes, but their lead was short-lived as Town hit back through Jessica Wadey (2), Laura Williams (2), Jesci Hare, Coryn Sexton and Gaby Pughsley.

Wrexham also notched up a big win as they outclassed Newcastle Emlyn 6-1. Lowri Edwards and Lyndsey Rodger were the stand out performers for the North Walians, both grabbing braces.

Elsewhere, Llandudno Junction picked up their second win when they thumped Aberystwyth 4-0.

The day’s other scheduled fixture between Caernarfon Town and Llanidloes was postponed.

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Students maintain perfect start

Cardiff Met maintained their unblemished start to the Welsh Women's Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Aberystwyth.

The students were frustrated throughout the first half but Aber’s resolve was broken in the 60^th minute, when the hosts were awarded a penalty and Emily Allen calmly slotted it home from 12 yards.  With Aber pushing to get themselves back in the game, the students exploited the space to double their lead 15 minutes later when Sophie Scherschel netted and Kelly Highman rounded off a good afternoon’s work late on.

Wrexham were the big winners of the day as they demolished Caerphilly Castle 10-0, Syd Hinchcliffe helped herself to a first half hat-trick, while Laura and Kate Edwards both bagged braces for the Dragons. It has been a torrid start to the season for Castle, who are yet to score themselves yet have leaked 33 goals, and as a result will be hoping for some reprieve when they travel to fellow strugglers Caernarfon on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Llanidloes kept up their perfect start to the season with a 4-1 drubbing of visitors Northop Hall.

Kate Thomas gave the hosts the lead before Northop’s Laura Pennington drew the sides level, only for Thomas to strike again moments later. Steph Hugheson struck either side of half time to kill the match.

Port Talbot Town made the long trip up North and were rewarded with a 4-1 victory at Llandudno Junction, Jesi Hare (2), Coryn Sexton and Courteney Thomas were all on target for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Cardiff City clinically dispatched Caernarfon Town 5-1, Rachel Rowe bagging a double for the capital side, while Kelly Bourne, Lauren Price and Danielle Broadhurts were also on the scoresheet.

Finally, Swansea City picked up their second success of the season defeating Newcastle Emlyn 3-1.

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Port Talbot Town Ladies dish out 18 goal demolition

Port Talbot Town Ladies recovered from their six goal drubbing at the hands of Cardiff last time to dish out a hiding of their own, as they demolished Caerphilly Castle 18-0.

In their first match at the Gen Quip Stadium, the hosts were in front from as early as the second minute when Courteney Thomas coolly slotted home her first of four, with Gaby Pughsley and Alex Thomas also finding the net four times, while Gemma Evans and Jessica Curran rounded off the scoring.

For the visitors, it was very much an afternoon to forget and this young side will now turn their attention to hosting Wrexham in a fortnight’s time.

Reigning champions Cardiff Met continued their stylish start to the season with a comfortable 5-0 win at Caernarfon Town.

Dana Hinton and Emily Brown both bagged doubles for the Students, while Emily Allen was also on target.

Swansea City bounced back from their defeat at Llanidloes to hand out a 5-2 thrashing to Aberystwyth Town.

City took the lead after only 8 seconds through Lindsay Morgan, who also doubled their lead ten minutes later, and the hosts never looked back.  Sarah Adams snagged a second half brace, while a 40^th minute own goal by Sam Lumb gave the Swans an unassailable lead.

With victory sewn up, Swansea were perhaps guilty off taking their foot of the pedal, as two late strikes from Gemma Kay and Ffiona Evans made the scoreline slightly more respectable.

Meanwhile, Llanidloes maintained their 100% start to the season with a hardfought 3-2 win at Newcastle Emlyn.

Llanidloes got the breakthrough early on with Kate Thomas netting after only three minutes but the hosts hit back through Stacey Webber and Marie Tulley to take the lead. Crucially, Thomas struck again just before the break to take the sides level at the interval.

The second half was a game of nip and tuck as both sides tried to protect what they had while still pushing for the win, but it was the Mid Walians that would emerge victorious with Steph Hugheson pouncing late on, and there was no way back for Emlyn.

Elsewhere, a Holly Farr double helped Llandudno Junction to a 3-0 success at Northop Hall and the day's other fixture between Wrexham and Cardiff City was postponed due to a number of Cardiff players being on international duty.

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Cardiff Met kick off Women's Premier League with a win

The opening weekend of the inaugural fully national Welsh Women's Premier League kicked off on Sunday with reigning Champions Cardiff Met getting their campaign under way with a 1-0 victory over last season’s North Wales champions Wrexham at Cyncoed.

A late Emily Brown strike for the students was all that separated the sides in a repeat of the Welsh Premier League final last year.

There were goals and incidents galore in Aberystwyth’s 4-3 home win over Caernarfon Town with a Sam Gaunt 86 minute penalty needed to separate the sides.

Aber had to play the majority of the match with only ten players after goalkeeper Keryn Davies was sent for an early shower, but it was the hosts that seized the early iniative with Mel Davies striking twice for the hosts.

The Cofi’s hit back after the break scoring three goals in quick succession, Kim Broadbent found the net from 12 yards before Katie Williams and Catrin Thomas gave the visitors the lead. Lucy Hughes restored parity and just as a stalemate was looking evermore likely, Aber were awarded a penalty and Gaunt calmly slotted home to break the visitors' hearts.

Port Talbot Town were on the wrong side of a 6-0 drubbing by Cardiff City, with Bluebirds striker Lisa Bird carrying on where she left off last season firing home four goals, while Catherine Walsh netted a double.

Laura Pennigton was the stand out performer in Northop Hall’s 5-0 demolition of Caerphilly Castle at Treforest, while Alex Pugh and Natalie Bennett also found the target for the visitors.

Swansea City had a frustrating trip up to Mid Wales, losing out 2-1 to Llanidloes. Two second half goals in the space of two minutes from Kate Thomas and Steff Hugheson ultimately gave the hosts an unassailable lead, despite Sarah Adams' 76 minute strike that threatened to produce a grand stand finish, but none materialised.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Emlyn saw off newly promoted Llandudno Junction 6-2, with Cerys Davies notching up an opening day hat-trick.

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Countdown to inaugural Welsh Premier Women's League

The first ever fully national Welsh Premier Women’s League will kick off on Septmeber 16. 

The League will consist of twelve teams with the ten member clubs from last season’s North and South Conferences being joined by  Llandudno Junction Ladies and Cardiff City LFC.

The first weekend of matches will give Wrexham an early opportunity to avenge their play off defeat against Cardiff Metropolitan Ladies as well as five other mouth-watering matches.

With an ever growing number of women and girls taking up the sport, the FAW see the creation of a National League as a vital part of a successful pathway for the national side.

Men’s National Team Manager, Chris Coleman, is a firm believer in this new development:

“I wish the new format every success. The fact that the League will be truly national for the first time indicates the growth in interest and standard of women’s football in Wales”.

Women’s National Team Manager Jarmo Matikainen has also given the development the big thumbs-up:

“The move to get our league national is vital. This can only be good for the women’s game in Wales”.

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Wales women look to build towards 2013

The Welsh Under 19 Women play host to Estonia in a double header at the end of this month as Dragons start their build up to the Euro finals next summer.

The two friendly matches will take place at Ynys Park, Ton Pentre on Tuesday 24^th July and two days later at the Gen Quip Stadium, Port Talbot, with admission free to both matches.

Seven teams will join hosts Wales next August as they contest the UEFA under 19 Finals, with the matches taking place at Llanelli, Carmarthen, Bridgend and Swansea.

The Women’s Under 19 finals will be the first time a UEFA finals has been held in the Principality and the FAW will be hoping the increased visibility of the game will further strengthen an already expanding band of female players.

The start of the 2011/12 season saw 1250 women and 1500 girls registered as playing football in Wales seeing an increase of 25% from 2009, and FAW technical director Osian Roberts is keen to build, “The tournament will give us a great opportunity to build on the success we have seen at grassroot level with centres of development being set up to ensure the game continues to move in the right direction.”

“Obviously we are immensely proud of hosting this event and it excites and inspires us, and hopefully it will do the same for women and girls involved in the game in Wales.”

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Cardiff Met make European debut

Cardiff Met WFC have learnt who they will face in qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

The Welsh Premier League Ladies Champions travel to Bosnia next month to play in a mini tournament between 11th-16th August, that will decide the ten remaining places for the Champions League proper.

The students, who are making their European debut, have been drawn in Group 5 and will take on WFC SFK 200 Sarajevo, ASA Tel-Aviv and Peamount United.

Swansea City LFC have represented Wales in the competition for the past two years but have failed to make it to the Champions League proper on both occasions.

Winners of the eight groups plus the two best runners up will progress to the round of 32 including holders Olympique Lyonnais, with the grand final scheduled to take place in London on 23 May 2012.

Qualifying round draw
Group 1: FC Zürich Frauen (SUI), Gintra Universitetas (LTU), WFC Pomurje (SVN)*, Ataşehir Belediyespor (TUR)

Group 2: FC NSA (BUL), BIIK (KAZ), ŽFK Spartak (SRB)*, Pärnu Jalgpalliklubi (EST)

Group 3: SU 1 ° Dezembro (POR), Olimpia Cluj-Napoca (ROU), Glentoran Belfast United (NIR), Birkirkara FC (MLT)*

Group 4: RTP Unia Racibórz (POL), FC Bobruchanka (BLR),ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SVK)*, Ekonomist (MNE)

Group 5: WFC SFK 2000 Sarajevo (BIH)*, ASA Tel-Aviv FC (ISR), Peamount United (IRL), Cardiff Met LAFC (WAL)

Group 6: Apollon LFC (CYP)*, WFC Kharkiv (UKR), KÍ Klaksvík (FRO), Ada Velipoje (ALB)

Group 7: FC PAOK (GRE), MTK Hungária FC (HUN), ZNK Nase Taksi-SNT 2010 (MKD)*, SKONTO FK (LVA)

Group 8: Glasgow City LFC (SCO), PK-35 Vantaa (FIN)*,  WFC Osijek (CRO), FC Noroc Nimoreni (MDA)

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