Academy round-up | Swansea City Women and Girls
Swansea City Women’s academy sides were back in action over the weekend, with plenty of goals and encouraging performances across the age groups.
In our new weekly academy round-up, we take a look at how our under-17s and under-19s got on in their latest fixtures.
Under-17s
The under-17s made it three wins from three in the South Wales Women’s and Girls’ League as Lewis Walters’ side secured an 8-0 victory over Bluebelles Violets..
Swansea opened the scoring in just the 11th minute through Seren Kirk, before Molly Silcox added a brace in three minutes to give the Swans a three-goal cushion just 20 minutes into the game.
The first half goals didn't stop there, as Elin Edwards also scored twice to make it 5-0 at the break.
Swansea made another strong start after the restart, with Molly Silcox completing her hat-trick in the 52nd minute, making it five goals in three matches for the Swans number nine.
Substitute Lily May Woodland sealed a brace of her own after the hour to round off the scoring, leaving the Swans with maximum points after three games, with 20 goals scored and none conceded.
The result leaves Walters’ side second in the table, behind leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel on goal difference.
Swansea City Women Under 17s: Chloe Rees, Iola Parton, Seren Rose, Macie-Leigh Henricksen, Ruby Burgin, Elin Edwards, Molly Silcox, Ruby Dwan, Seren Kirk, Halle Morgan, Ruby Cannon (captain).
Substitutes: Carys Reason, Lily May Woodland, Milli Jenkins, Katie Walters, Seren Lewis
Under-19s
Swansea City Under-19s bounced back from last week’s defeat to Cardiff City with a 4-2 victory over Cardiff Met at Llandarcy Academy of Sport in the Adran Under-19s' league.
Richard Harris’ side made a lightning start after Ava Woodman won the ball high up the pitch before finding Lowri Jones, who calmly slotted past Caidence Williams to open the scoring.
Jones doubled the Swans’ advantage soon after. A goal-kick from Opal Rayner was headed on by Lily Deacon, who glanced the ball wide to Robyn Preece. The full-back looked up and played Jones through on goal, with the forward rounding Williams before converting into an empty net.
The Archers fought back and were level by the half-hour mark, with Evie Henshaw pulling one back before Hannah Rayner restored parity.
However, the Swans regained the lead five minutes before half-time following some excellent work from goalkeeper Rayner. She reacted quickly to reach the ball ahead of the Met forward before playing a superb pass over the top of the defence for Jones, who raced through and fired past Williams to complete her hat-trick.
Met were handed a great opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty for a foul inside the area, but Lily Gonzalez was denied from 12 yards as Rayner guessed correctly and made the save.
Swansea added a fourth with 15 minutes remaining after Jones drove through the Met midfield before finding Sofia Gimblett just outside the area, with the substitute producing a superb curling effort into the corner to round off the scoring.
Harris’ side sit fifth in the table after their opening two fixtures and will return to action in two weeks’ time when they travel to face Aberystwyth Town.
Swansea City Women Under-19s: Opal Rayner, Darcey Phillips, Evie Evans, Lily Stabler, Ava Woodman, Lily Deacon(Ellie Gibbins 62'), Lowri Jones, Sofia Gimblett(Danni Webster 76'), Ffion Ferguson(Kelsea Verallo-Nicholas 62'), Robyn Preece(Megan Williams 14'), Darcie Trow (C).
Substitutes not used: Chloe Rees, Seren Tidy.