Season in Review: Swans Ladies
As we look back on the 2018-19 season at Swansea City, we review how the campaign unfolded for our Ladies team under the guidance of Ian Owen.
While Swansea City Ladies ended the season without silverware, there were plenty of positives for manager Ian Owen and his squad to take as they impressed with some lovely football over the course of the campaign.
The Swans would ultimately end up finishing second behind Cardiff Met in the Welsh Premier Women's League, having lost just two league fixtures all season.
They would also reach the final of the Welsh Premier Women's League Cup, losing to Cardiff Met 3-1.
Despite that disappointment of not being able to retain the trophy, a number of players enjoyed fine seasons.Emma Beynon ended up as topscorer with 17 goals, with Katy Hosford, Jodie Passmore and Stacey John-Davis also chipping in with their share of goals.
The Swans started the season with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Abergavenny but they soon found their stride with 12 goals in two games.
First, Briton Ferry were put to the sword 6-1 with John-Davis bagging a brace along the way, before Beynon and Passmore also netted doubles in the 6-0 thrashing of Llandudno.
However, the Ladies were dealt a blow in their top-of-the-table clash with Cardiff Met in mid-October, as goals from Madison Schubach and Naomi Clipston condemned them to a 2-0 defeat.
The Swans were then held to a 2-2 draw at Cyncoed, before a 7-0 rout of Rhyl - with Passmore scoring four - followed up by a pair of wins over Port Talbot Town in the league and cup respectively.
Important games came thick and fast as the season reached its mid-point. Cardiff City were beaten away, while the sides played out a goalless draw in Llandarcy, and revenge for the opening-day loss was gained over Abergavenny as Owen's side built up a head of steam.
A cup final place was booked with a 7-0 win over Rhyl, who were also beaten 5-0 in the second league meeting of the season, while Llandudno were also swept aside 4-0.
However, the Swans' excellent form was not enough to deny Cardiff Met the title, with a goalless draw between the sides ensuring the students could not be overhauled.
To add insult to injury Cardiff Met would also administer a 3-1 defeat in the cup final in April.
Nevertheless, Owen’s side responded in emphatic fashion and finished the season with a bang – scoring 18 times in their last three league games.
First, John-Davis bagged a hat-trick in a 7-0 rout of Briton Ferry, while Kelly Adams helped herself to a brace as Cyncoed were beaten 6-0.
And second place in the WPWL was assured on the final day. Top scorer Beynon was on target in a 5-0 success over Port Talbot Town.
"This season has been a bit up and down for us we have some of the best football I have seen during my time with the club at the same time making errors at key moments in games," said Owen.
"Highlights for me have been the form we have shown recently and the effort everyone is willing to put in, it means we are already looking forward to next season."
