Ellie Lake | We are still in the hunt

Swansea City defender Ellie Lake believes the Swans remain firmly in the hunt for the Genero Adran Premier title following their 3-0 victory over The New Saints at the M&P Group 3G.

Lake scored the final goal of the contest to extinguish any hopes of a visitors’ comeback, making it two goals in two matches for the full-back after also finding the net in the Welsh Cup before the New Year against CPDM Llanystuwmdy.

The result confirmed Swansea’s place in the top four with two games remaining of phase one of the season - a significant milestone after narrowly missing out on a spot in the Championship phase last term - while also extending their unbeaten league run to two matches.

Lake admitted goals do not come around often for her, but was delighted to contribute again, adding that her greater satisfaction came from helping the side correct last season’s disappointment and secure a top-four finish this time around.

"I am really happy. Obviously last year the girls didn't manage to get top four so to get it this year was the main priority and to do it with two games to spare is a testament to the girls," she said.

“I think in the first 20 minutes TNS came at us all guns blazing, so we had to weather that storm and show we can defend as well as attack. Once we started creating chances, we knew we weren’t going to miss, and keeping a clean sheet is huge as well. Overall, it was a good night’s work.

“I’ll be honest, my goal was meant to be a cross. I saw Deacs [Aimee Deacon] coming in, so I thought I’d sling one into the box and hope for the best. I think her run has confused the goalkeeper and it’s gone all the way in.

“I usually average about two goals a season, so to get two in two matches is great for me. I enjoy getting forward and helping the team higher up the pitch just as much as defending, but it’s nice to chip in with some goals - especially as I don’t score many!

"I think the result means that everything is still all to play for really. We are still within distance of the top two so we need to make sure that we win the two remaining phase one games to stand us in good stead, and then hopefully we can beat anyone in front of us during phase two."