Ladies football: Girls held after late fightback

Apr 3 2008 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

LADIES FOOTBALL

Penydarren and Merthyr Valley Under-16s 2Cadoxton Under-16s 2

THE valley girls got back into South Wales Girls League action after three weeks without a game – and it certainly showed in a first half, where their play was very lacklustre and slow.

Fifth-placed Cadoxton took the lead in the first three minutes after dreadful marking by the home side which allowed the visitors to send a low shot into the corner of the net.

Play was very scrappy for most of the first half, until a fine piece of approach play between Nikki Jones and Kirsty Hardwick on the left wing led to Alex Thomas scoring from a fine shot at the near post to put the sides level at half time.

The second half was an entirely different game. Girl of the Match Sian Scannell ran the Cadoxton defence ragged, providing chance after chance for the valley girls.

But the away keeper kept everything at bay until Asher Hynes rose to score a fine, headed goal to give the home side the lead 20 minutes into the second half.

Play was all one way, and with the end of the game approaching the girls looked like securing all three points.

But it was not to be, as the away side broke the offside trap and equalised right at the death.

This Sunday the girls have a very stern test against runaway league leaders Cardiff City in the League Cup semi-final at the Bont.

l The club is now recruiting players for the 2008-9 season.

Trials will be held in the near future for any girls/women who are interested. Age groups will be Under-12, 14, 16 and ladies.

For more details ring 07870 899015 or 07807 584445.