Ellie Lake | It proved a game too far for us

Captain Ellie Lake admitted the Genero Adran Trophy final had proven a game too far for a depleted Swansea City Women's squad after they suffered defeat to Cardiff City Women.

Lake skippered the Swans in the absence of Katy Hosford, with Lucy Finch and Stacey John-Davis also watching on from the sidelines.

The Swans had led at the break following Monet Legall’s superb 18th-minute strike at the SDM Glass Stadium.

However, Megan Bowen had Cardiff on level terms seven minutes into the second half, before Molly Kehoe gave the league champions the lead for the first time with 20 minutes to go.

A late strike from Rhian Oakley and a brace from Eliza Collie rounded off the scoring for Cardiff to claim the trophy with a 5-1 win.

Lake was disappointed to miss out on silverware, particularly after an excellent showing during the opening 45 minutes, but admitted the list of injuries and absentees had proved costly.

“We are gutted, I think we were the better team in the first half, we were on top and scored that goal,” said Lake.

“In the second half, when they made it 2-1, we pushed up higher and left gaps and we were punished.

“In the first half we were comfortable, we were playing well and I just think our legs went in the second half.

“We’ve shown that we can match Cardiff, we’ve done it throughout the season against them and beaten them twice, but it’s been a long season and we faded towards the end.

“It was just a game too far for us, we've been unfortunate to have players injured during these final stages.

“Everyone who stepped in did an amazing job, Monet [Legall] scored again with another great finish.

“I just think we didn’t have as much coming off the bench as Cardiff did because of the number of injuries, but I think everyone dug as deep as they could.

“I’ve been here so many years now and I’ve never been captain in a competitive game before.

“To be asked to wear the armband in a competitive final meant a lot, it’s nerve racking because Hosford sets such a good example, but it’s a proud moment for me and my family, even though it wasn't the outcome we wanted."