Academy round-up | Swansea City Women and Girls

Four of our academy sides were in action this weekend. Take a look at how they got on in our latest weekly round-up.

Under-13s

Swansea City Women Under-13s suffered their first defeat of the season after being narrowly beaten 2-1 by Cardiff City in the FAW National Academi Under-13s South League at Ocean Park.

The Swans took the lead shortly after the break through Ava Tipuric, who netted her second goal in three games following her strike against Briton Ferry Llansawel two weeks ago.

However, the hosts responded 12 minutes later, with substitute Neve Bettles finding the net to bring Cardiff level.

Cardiff then completed the turnaround in the 70th minute, with Faith Bridges scoring the winner to secure all three points for the Bluebirds.

Despite the defeat, Roy Thomas’ side remain second in the table, five points behind leaders Cardiff City. and will face The New Saints in their first national league game next Saturday.

Swansea City Women Under-13s: Ffion Evans, Ava Jones, Ava Tipuric, Loti Adams, Mia Price, Isla Edwards, Firdaus Nasir, Maisie Brown, Talitha Appleby. 

Substitutes: Maisie Rees, Freya Griffiths, Isabelle Jones, Ava Salter, Eva May Salmon, Lily Davies. 

Under-15s

Swansea City Women Under-15s were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Cardiff City at Ocean Park on Saturday afternoon.

Cardiff took an early lead through captain Eadie Roberts, who converted a penalty in the 11th minute.

Ceiron Williams’ side responded shortly after the break, with Grace Morgan converting a penalty from 12 yards to bring the Swans level.

However, Cardiff found the decisive goal in the 59th minute through Georgia Davies to secure all three points for the Bluebirds.

The result leaves Swansea fifth in the National Academi South Under-15s league table. The Swans will play their first national fixture of the season next Saturday, travelling north to face The New Saints.

Swansea City Women Under-15s: Poppy Thomas, Ellianna Bidder, Isla Roberts, Honor-Mai Dwyer (C), Ava Carman, Grace Morgan, Amelia-Rae Cloke, Olivia Gill, Arianwen Budden, Skye Cannon, Ellie-May Scott. 

Substitutes: Indigo Belton, Imogen Phillips, Isla Bishop, Amelia-Lily Sulivan, Ella Bowen.

Under-17s

Swansea City Under-17s maintained their unbeaten start to the league season after a late goal from Molly Silcox earned them a 1-1 draw against Briton Ferry Llansawel.

The visitors took the lead just 11 minutes into the contest through Sophia-Christie Benns, leaving the Swans chasing an equaliser.

Lewis Walters’ side continued to push forward throughout the match and were rewarded late on. Ruby Dwan’s long-range effort from around 25 yards struck the crossbar, with Silcox showing great striker’s instinct to volley home the rebound from close range and ensure the points were shared.

The fixture marked the Swans’ first game in the Combined Division of the South Wales Women and Girls’ League, having won their opening three group fixtures to secure qualification.

Swansea sit fifth in the table with their first point on the board and will look to continue their unbeaten run when they travel to face Pontypridd United on Sunday afternoon.

Swansea City Women U17s: Madison Payne, Carys Reason, Iola Parton, Seren Rose, Elin Edwards, Molly Silcox, Ruby Dwan, Seren Kirk, Halle Morgan, Ruby Cannon (C), Seren Lewis. 

Substitutes: Macie-Leigh Henricksen, Ruby Burgin, Lily Woodland, Milli Jenkins, Katie Walters. 

Under-19s

Swansea City Under-19s returned to winning ways on Friday night with a 4-1 victory over Cascade YC U19s.

Richard Harris’ side took the lead seven minutes into the second half through in-form striker Lowri Jones, who netted her third goal in two league games.

The forward produced a superb solo effort, receiving the ball just beyond the halfway line before using her pace to drive past a Cascade defender and into the penalty area. She then cut inside onto her left foot and powered the ball past Layla McGinty.

Megan Williams doubled the Swans’ advantage 15 minutes later. Her initial delivery into the area was not fully cleared by the Cascade defence, allowing the forward to regain possession before showing great composure to curl the ball into the far corner.

The goals continued to flow for the Swans as Darcie Trow found the net for the second consecutive game. Lily Stabler’s corner was met by the central defender, who produced a powerful finish past McGinty to make it 3-0.

Ellie Gibbins rounded off the scoring for the Swans in the 77th minute. Robyn Preece delivered the ball into the area from the far side, where Gibbins was on hand to convert from close range.

Cascade grabbed a consolation goal six minutes from time through Trinity Reakes. A long ball from Lily Mayne sailed over the Swans’ backline, allowing the forward to race through before using her strength to get past Caitlin Sweeney and slot the ball into the net.

The result leaves Harris' side in fifth place in the Adran U19's league with three wins from five ahead of a home fixture against Penybont on Friday night.

Swansea City Women U19s: Chloe Rees, Caitlin Sweeney, Darcey Phillips, Kelsea Verallo-Nicholas(Megan Williams 59'), Lily Stabler(Seren Tidy 81'), Lowri Jones(Ada Woodman 59'), Susanna Cunningham (C), Ellie Gibbins(Emily Leary 81'), Robyn Preece, Darcie Trow, Dani Webster(Sofia Gimblett 70').

Substitutes not used: Freya Morgan, Ffion Ferguson.