Chris Church hails battling qualities as Swansea City Ladies extend advantage

Swansea City Ladies head coach Chris Church applauded his side’s battling attitude in their 1-0 victory over Cardiff City Women on Sunday.

The Swans extended their lead at the top of the Genero Adran Premier courtesy of a Rhianne Oakley penalty towards the end of the first half.

Swansea still have a game in hand on Cardiff, as well as Cardiff Met, who have leapfrogged the Bluebirds into second place with their win over The New Saints.

And Church also hailed his side’s defensive efforts as they secured their seventh clean sheet in nine league matches.

“I love beating Cardiff City in derby days, it is what you want in a rivalry, but it is with credit to the players,” said Church.

“They dug deep and showed a fighting quality, another quality to add to a champion team and we can applaud that.

“Sometimes the quality wasn’t there but when we had the moments, they won us the game effectively.

“Our back four and our goalkeeper are the best in the league at what they do, they don’t let many things past them and if they do, they challenge themselves to be better and you can’t ask any more than that.

“That goes right the way through to the back four that started and Jess (Williams) who come on.

“It is a credit to our defence and goalkeeper, but it is also a team effort at the end of the day.

“We knew after the Port Talbot game being called off in midweek that this game was just as big and it is about keeping our 100% record and extending our lead at the top, which we have done.”