A tight affair, as Saints Women lose out to Cardiff Met

Match Report

Goals: Chantelle Teare (55).

Match report by Michael Davies
Lead image by Brian Jones

The New Saints Women came narrowly close to a draw against Cardiff Met WFC at Park Hall Stadium, in what finished a 2-1 loss for Greg Draper’s side in the Genero Adran Premier.

Both goals for Cardiff Met came in the first-half from Ellie Preece and Tija Richardson.

Chantelle Teare got one back from a corner in the second 45, but it was not enough, as Met left the victors.

It was an even affair throughout, where both teams could feel they were worthy to take something away from the game.

The result keeps The New Saints fifth in the Adran Premier table.

Cardiff Met had the first chance in the seventh minute, as an over-the-top ball was played to Ellie Preece, who had a shot in the box that Sarah Parkes palmed away.

Seconds later The New Saints had their first chance, when Lexie Harrison played a through ball to Dani Staley, the no.8 struck the ball from within the 18-yard area, the shot was stopped by Amelia Forkings.

The Archers took the lead in the 10th minute, an Amy Long cross that found Preece at the back post, at that moment the striker tapped the ball into the back of the net.

Fifteen minutes on, The Saints were back on the break a Harrison cross found Emily Ridge, who headed wide.

Moments after the Students were on the attack, Preece ran through on goal, but Evie Williams made a fantastic challenge to put the ball out for a corner.

Yzzy Taylor’s side scored from the following set-piece. Sophie Hancocks put in a corner and Tija Richardson converted with a header into the net.

Staley had a great opportunity in the 28th for The Saints, a clean strike in the penalty area forced Forkings into a fine save.

Past the half-hour mark, Met skipper Stephanie Turner had an effort from close range after a set-piece delivery, however Parkes was there to make a point-blank stop.

Just under ten minutes into second 45, Ridge broke through on goal and shot from within the box, but Forkings made the stop for the away team.

Greg Draper’s team got one back in the 55th, as Caitlin Chapman whipped in a corner that found Chantelle Teare, who headed it into Met’s net.

In the 70th minute it was almost an equaliser, a ball was played over the top to Ridge and the 30-year-old from just outside, with effort marginally wide.

Yzzy Taylor’s Archers were not far off a third in the 81st minute. Erin Murray ran through and shot, but Parkes denied the forward with a superb diving save.

Staley had an effort from 30-yards at the end of the game, but it was saved by Forkings in what was the last chance of the encounter.

TNS are next in action on Sunday, December 4th away at at Aberystwyth Town in the Adran Premier.