Preview | Swansea City Ladies vs The New Saints Women
Swansea City Ladies play their first home game of 2023 and their final game of Genero Adran Premier League phase one as they welcome The New Saints Women to Llandarcy Academy of Sport this evening (7:45pm kick-off).
The Swans will be looking to return to winning ways after a draw with Aberystwyth Town Women last time out while a victory for the visitors could see them leapfrog fourth placed Pontypridd United into the final spot in the Championship phase.
Lailah Muscat had a memorable debut for the Swans last time out. She made the league's team of the week and scored the Swans' second goal of the afternoon after Stacey John-Davis equalised following Emily Thomas' early opener for the home team.
However, it wasn't enough for Ceri Phillips' side to take all three points and Amy Jenkins secured a point for the Aberystwyth early in the second half.
The visitors have been in good form recently, but slipped to fifth place after suffering a 5-1 defeat at home to league leaders Cardiff City Women.
Pre-match views
Swansea City Ladies head coach Ceri Phillips said: “The game up in TNS was tough. They made the game difficult for us and are a young side with no fear.
“It’s very important we return to winning ways. Aberystwyth made it difficult for us on the weekend, but we didn’t do enough to ourselves to play the game how we want to play.
“So we will be looking for an instant reaction and what better time to do it than just three days after the last game.
“We always want to take advantage of being at home by making sure when the final whistle goes the away side know they’ve been in a battle and have felt the full effect of how good this side is.
“TNS won’t be coming down all this way in midweek for nothing and will prove very tough for us. I just know that when this group of girls are firing there’s no end to what they are capable of. So it’s our task to make sure that is the case tonight.”
Previous meeting
The two sides last met in October, with the Swans coming away with a hard fought 3-1 win from Park Hall.
The Swans made a fast start with Nia Rees and Emma Beynon both netting inside the opening 12 minutes.
A first-half penalty, converted by captain Beth Lewis, gave TNS a lifeline and brought them back into the contest.
Katy Hosford sealed the victory for the Swans late on, firing a stunning strike from 30 yards out to ensure the three points would return to SA1.
