Briton Ferry had to dig deep to see off a hard-working Pontardawe side. Pontardawe pressed high and marked closely to try and restrict play from the hosts. With Ferry leading 2-0 at the break Ponty came out better second half and soon pulled a goal back. With a tense final 15 minutes to play The Red’s managed to extend their lead and see out the game.
Briton Ferry began the game looking to get the first goal and had plenty of chances. Laura-May Walkley gave the Reds the lead after 26 minutes. Mollie Jones made it two after 37 minutes with her tenth goal of the season.
Catryn Cook pulled a goal back two minutes after the restart scoring direct from a corner. Laura-May Walkley made it three after 75 minutes.
Fleur Jenkins forced Connally into an early save with a shot from the left of the box. Jenkins making a run into the box before shooting across goal but Connolly making a decent save.
Keira Harris had a shot for the visitors from outside the box but with no real power on the shot it was easy for Courtney Young.
Ten minutes in and Mollie Jones had a golden chance to give Ferry the lead. A superb pass out wide found Megan Kearle on the right. Kearle put the ball across the box and found the run of Jones, but the Ferry forward put the ball over the bar.
Pontardawe were pressing the Reds and trying to stop their passing play causing frustration in the Reds team.
Mollie Jones missed another chance putting the ball over the bar again after being played in inside the box.
Ferry made the break though after 26 minutes when Laura-May Walkley opening the scoring. Megan Kearle putting a low shot on goal which was well saved by Connally. Getting a hand to the ball to stop the first shot but Walkley was the first to the loose ball and finished from close range.
A good passing move was finished off with Alice Broadley testing the gloves of Connally. The keeper turning away Broadley’s powerful shot.
Mollie Jones wasn’t to be denied and got her goal after 37 minutes. A good ball though from Laura-May Walkley found the run of Jones who had beaten Ponty’s offside trap, and she put the ball across the keeper into the far corner.
Half Time: Briton Ferry Llansawel 2-0 Pontardawe Town
Pontardawe made a good start to the second half winning an early corner. Catryn Cook took the kick and scored direct as she put the ball in at the far post.
They could have been level after Courtney Young mis kicked a cleared that fell to Cook. Cook tried to get the ball in the net but only found the side netting.
Ponty were pushing for another goal and Cook was able to find Kiera Harris in the box, but Harris couldn’t get the ball past Young.
Laura-May Walkley hit a shot on the turn but only found the side netting as the Reds tried to re-establish control of the game.
The Reds were able to mount a quick counter and set Mollie Jones free on goal. Jones hit a low shot that Connally was able to save with her legs.
Walkley won the ball and sent Mollie Jones away down the left. Jones put the ball across gaol looking for Lowri Baker at the far post, but Connally was able to gather.
With 15 minutes to goal Ferry got their third goal. Laura-May Walkley forcing the ball in from Megan Kearle’s corner.
Lucy Powell went for goal from a free kick, but her effort was too close to the keeper and Connally made a routine save.
Ella Stafford tried for goal from a free kick 40 yards out, but her effort was saved by Courtney Young.
Sophie Topper was played in on goal and forced a good save from Young at her near post as Ponty kept trying to get in the game.
The Red’s held on to gain the win despite Ponty keeping the pressure on them and working till the final whistle.
Briton Ferry Llansawel: Courtney Young (G), Laura-May Walkley, Alice Broadley, Fleur Jenkins, Brooke Llewellyn, Lowri Ridings, Mollie Jones (Jessica Curran 87), Lucy Powell, Ella Roberts (Cerys Bevan 87), Megan Kearle, Chelsea Deacon (Lowri Baker 58).
Goals: Laura-May Walkley 26, 76, Mollie Jones 37.