The Saints Ladies are through to the next round of the Central Wales Cup after winning 2-1 against Welshpool Town Ladies.
This afternoon’s fixture was the first ever cup tie played by Hay St Mary’s Ladies after joining the North Powys Ladies League at the start of the season. After something of a baptism of fire in competitive football, The Saints have seen there results gradually improve in recent weeks, with their latest outing ending in a 2-0 league defeat at today’s opponents a fortnight ago. The Saints had lost their home clash 5-0 against the Lilywhites when the two teams clashed at Brecon Road a month ago and were hoping that today might bring their first victory of the season. The fixture was played on the Powys Council-owned pitch after Hay St Mary’s second pitch had cut-up during yesterday afternoon friendly fixture played in the majority through rain.
The Saints, playing up the slope and against a cross-wind during the first-half, made a highly positive start to the cup tie and were duly rewarded by taking a 15th minute lead. A home player latched on to a throw-in and delivered a cross goalwards that captain Pru Whitworth latched on to before guiding past the Lilywhites’ goalkeeper. Hay St Mary’s had opportunities to extend their advantage but had to be content with a one-goal lead at the interval. The Saints only required two minutes of the second-half before scoring again when Larissa Griffiths cut in from the right touchline and her chipped effort beat the Welshpool Town custodian at her near post. The visitors fought hard to stay in the match and halved the deficit in the 70th minute with a direct free-kick from nearly 40 yards out that flew over the home goalkeeper. She atoned for that error with some fine saves in the closing stages as the Lilywhites searched for a second goal to force extra-time but the Saints were left to celebrate their inaugural competitive victory.
A minutes silence.
Scorer of the second goal Larissa Griffiths.
Scorer of the first goal Pru Whitworth.
Photos from Stu Townsend.