Fleur Jenkins sent Briton Ferry into the last of of the Welsh Women's Cup with an 84th minute winner against Pontardawe. The Reds had to come from behind in a hard fought victory against a strong Pontardawe side. The game saw tough conditions for both sides as strong winds swirled around the pitch.
Catryn Cook had given the host the lead after 16th minutes and the home side held Ferry out until the 44th minute. Just before the break it was Ferry captain Lowri Ridings who sent the sides in level after a battling first half.
The Reds pushed to take the lead in the second half but came up against resolute defence. Alison Witts hit the bar and Lowri Baker sent a header wide as Ferry looked to edge ahead. Pontardawe held firm until the 84th minute when Fleur Jenkins struck setting up a quarter final against Wrexham.
Pontardawe made a good start as the Reds were slow to get going. The home side won a free kick and Cook stepped up and sent the ball into the top corner.
The host were playing with a high defensive line and Ferry struggled to gain ground in the final third. Alison Witts hit a shot against the post and Megan Kearle's corner was headed straight at the keeper by Laura-May Walkley.
Mollie Jones had a chance cutting in from the left but her low shot was straight at Celyn Barnett in the Ponty goal.
Just before half time the Reds levelled from a Meg Kearle free kick. Alison Witt's flicking the ball on to Lowri Ridings who hammered the ball into the back of the net.
Half Time: Pontardawe 1-1 Briton Ferry
The Reds made a better start in the second half and were looking to take the lead. Alison Witts hitting a shot on the turn only to see the ball cannon off the crossbar.
Meg Kearle had an effort from inside the box but her low effort was saved by Barnett turning the ball away from goal.
The Reds did get the ball in the net thanks to Laura-May Walkley's header but the flag was up and the goal was ruled out.
Walkley then was able to send the ball into the box for Jenkins but her quick shot at goal was blocked as Pontardawe threw bodies in the way of every Ferry attack.
Lucy Powell sent a corner into the box where Lowri Baker met it. Baker's header going just wide of the post.
With six minutes to play The Reds won a free kick just inside the Ponty half. Lucy Powell lifted the ball towards the box where Fleur Jenkins brought it down on her chest before firing past Barnett.
Full Time: Pontardawe 1-2 Briton Ferry
Briton Ferry: Courtney Young (G), Laura-May Walkley, Brooke Llewellyn Alice Broadley 78), Lowri Ridings (C), Mollie Jones (Lowri Baker 78), Megan Kearle, Alison Witts, Anya Welch (Lucy Powell 66), Jess Denscombe (Ela Roberts 56), Lexi Clayton, Kayleigh Hateley (Fleur Jenkins 56).
Goals: Lowri Ridings 44, Fleur Jenkins 84.
Yellow Cards: Lowri Ridings 45+1.
