Preview | Cardiff Metropolitan Women v Swansea City Women
Swansea City Women begin the second half of their Genero Adran Premier Phase One campaign this afternoon as they travel to face Cardiff Metropolitan Women at Cyncoed Campus (2pm).
Head coach Yzzy Taylor and her side will be looking to return to winning ways following consecutive home defeats against Wrexham and Briton Ferry Llansawel.
It was a tough afternoon for Swansea last week against Briton Ferry where the away side won 3-0 at the Swansea.com Stadium, courtesy of goals from Lucy Powell and Brooke Llewlellyn, whilst the Swans also had to play 55 minutes with 10 players, after Caitlin Williams' dismissal in the first half.
Taylor's side did secure a victory against newly-promoted Met earlier in the season, where they had to fight back from a goal down to win 3-1, with an own goal levelling the scores before finishes from captain Jess Williams and defender Caitlin Seaborne secured all three points at the ThermaGlaze Ground.
The Swans currently sit fourth in the table with 12 points from their opening seven games, having made a strong start to the campaign with three consecutive victories before a difficult run of results in recent weeks.
A victory this afternoon could help Swansea close the gap on the top three. Cardiff City sit three points ahead of the Swans on 15 points and face Briton Ferry Llansawel, while joint leaders Wrexham and The New Saints take on Barry Town United and Aberystwyth Town respectively.
Pre-match views
Swansea City Women head coach Yzzy Taylor: "The last two results have been disappointing, and we know we need to be better. We’ve reflected on where things haven’t been good enough, and it’s about getting back to basics, being more consistent, showing greater discipline and being more clinical at both ends of the pitch. Our focus now is on putting those lessons into practice on Sunday.
"Our opening results showed what we’re capable of when we perform to our standards and work together as a team. We need to rediscover that intensity and confidence, trust our principles and work hard for one another. We know the quality is within the group, and it’s about showing that consistently.
"Cardiff Met are a well-organised side who made life difficult for us in our previous meeting. We were pleased with how we responded after going behind, but we need to be switched on from the first whistle this time, compete across the pitch and be disciplined in and out of possession. Our focus is on preparing properly and imposing our game on them.
"There’s still plenty of football to be played, and we can’t let a couple of difficult results define our season. We need to stay together, keep believing in our work and focus on Sunday. A positive result would give us something to build on and help us create momentum again."
Wing-back Quianna Wheeler: "It’s really important for us to rebuild our confidence after a couple of disappointing results. We’ve all been working hard for each other in training, and hopefully we can take that confidence into Sunday’s game.
"Cardiff Met gave us a good game a few weeks ago. Even when we took the lead, they didn’t give up, but I thought we reacted really well after going behind in the first half.
"Football is a team sport, and if we don’t stick together during the tougher moments, we won’t come out the other side any stronger. We’re a really close-knit group who get on well, and that togetherness is important.
"We’ve performed well away from home so far this season, even in the defeat against TNS. Hopefully, we can carry those performances into Sunday, get a positive result and continue to build our confidence."
Last time out - March 9, 2025
Former Cardiff Met captain Steph Turner scored a late winner the last time Swansea City Women visited Cyncoed Campus, securing a first victory in seven matches.
The sides played out a goalless first half, although the Swans had opportunities to take the lead. Stacey John headed a Jess Williams delivery wide, while Aimee Deacon sent a Katy Hosford corner over the bar in the opening stages.
Met also posed a threat on the counter-attack and started the second half brightly. Beca Thomas fired narrowly over from distance before Niamh Duggan forced goalkeeper Charlie Haynes into a superb low save to keep the scores level.
Swansea broke the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining when a low ball from Taite Trivett into the area was turned into her own net by Met defender Celyn Garton.
However, the hosts drew level 10 minutes later when India Shanahan found space inside the box and powered a volley into the top-left corner.
John thought she had restored the Swans' lead after tapping home a rebound from Turner's effort, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Turner would have the final say against her former club, steering home a low cross from Trivett to secure all three points for Swansea.
Cardiff Met Women: Charlotte Smith, Anna Houghton, Sophie Davidson (Ruby Colleton 72), Celyn Garton, Samantha Dziminowicz, Sian Bull (captain), Faith Mulenga, Chelsea Cochrane, Beca Thomas, Niamh Duggan (Molly Chapman 90), India Shanahan.
Substitutes not used: Carys Gittins, Millie Lewis.
Swansea City Women: Charlie Haynes, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks (Rachel Cullen 58), Maisie Miller (Steph Turner 68), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis, Emily Richards (Meg Clarke 89), Aimee Deacon (Sammy Wynne 57), Taite Trivett, Caitlin Williams, Jess Williams, Nia Jones.
Substitutes not used: Verity Jones.