Report | The New Saints Women 1 Swansea City Ladies 5
Swansea City Ladies extended their perfect record this season with a strong performance away to The New Saints.
The champions were in full ascendency in the first half taking a 3-0 lead into the half-time break with goals from Tija Richardson, Katy Hosford and captain Alicia Powe.
The lead was extended by Hosford before TNS replied with a goal of their own, but Gwen Horgan reinstated the four-goal advantage in the final stages.
The New Saints had the first glimpse of goal after Emily Ridge forced Gemma Border into a save with a volley from the edge of the penalty area.
The Swans showed signs of the threat they can cause after Rhianne Oakley released Stacey John-Davis, but the winger’s cross was gathered by Sarah Parkes.
John-Davis had a great chance to break the deadlock after Hosford slotted the ball through the middle of the TNS defence.
Soon after, Hosford saw her long-distance free kick hit the crossbar.
Swansea took the lead after Richardson leaped up and headed home Hosford’s corner delivery.
The lead was doubled after Kelly Adams held off the defender and squared the ball across to Hosford who was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.
The visitors were firmly in command before the break after Shaunna Jenkins’ shot from outside the box deflected off Richardson to Powe who slotted in her first goal in two years.
Ellie Lake looked to further increase the deficit from distance, but Parkes was equal to the strike.
John-Davis was fed in behind TNS’ defence by Rhianne Oakley, but she was denied by a fine reflex save from Parkes.
The lead was extended after John-Davis played a simple pass to Hosford who smashed it home from distance.
TNS pulled one back after Ridge caught Border off her line from long range.
It was a moment to remember for Horgan as a one-two with John-Davis led to her finding the bottom corner for the youngster’s first goal for the Swans.
The New Saints Women: Sarah Parkes, Faye Marshall, Jen Jarvie, Charlotte Turner, Caitlin Chapman, Georgia Griffiths (Tia Mai Lockley, 17), Lia Lewis, Lucie Platt (Nicole Samson, 88), Courtney Ashworth (Olivia Rathe, 84), Emily Ridge (capt), Lexi Harrison.
Subs not used: Alicia Robinson.
Swansea City Ladies: Gemma Border, Ellie Lake, Shaunna Jenkins (Jess Williams, 62), Alicia Powe (capt), Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson, Kelly Adams (Gwen Horgan, 72), Nia Rees (Laura Davies, 46), Stacey John-Davis, Katy Hosford, Rhianne Oakley.
