Swans Ladies held by champions

Swansea City Ladies produced a fine display against Cardiff Met at Llandarcy on Sunday, but were unable to deny the visitors the point they needed to secure the Welsh Premier Women's League title.

Manager Ian Owen and his side were the only team still able to overhaul the leaders over the final weeks of the season, but they needed a win to keep any lingering title hopes alive.

And they started with plenty of purpose, creating chances for Shaunna Jenkins, Lauren Smith and Alicia Powe within the opening 10 minutes.

The opportunities kept coming for the hosts with Emma Beynon teeing up Katy Hosford on the half-four mark, but the midfielder's volley cleared the bar, before Beynon herself shot wide of the target.

Hosford was soon involved yet again and tried her luck from the edge of the box, but her powerful strike flew inches over. Two minutes later she had another effort and saw the ball agonisingly clip the top of the bar.

The second half started in similar fashion as Smith fired a half-volley wide before Cardiff Met created a fine chance of their own in the 54th minute. Swans defender Gemma Border blocked a cross that fell to Maddison Westhoff, but she sent her effort wide.

The Swans defended brilliantly as the tension rose, seeing off an extended goalmouth scramble with several telling blocks, and they were soon back down the other end as Hosford's cross caused panic only for Sophie Hancocks to be unable to convert the chance.

Moments later, Cardiff Met’s Naomi Clipston saw her effort whistle over the bar from a 25 yard free-kick, while Jodie Passmore forced a save from Charlotte Smith at the other end after Sarah Adams had led a purposeful Swans counter.

Despite all the action the game ended goalless and Cardiff Met secured the title, but the sides will meet again with silverware on the line in the WPWL Cup final on April 5.