Report | Swansea City Ladies 2 Cyncoed Ladies 1

Swansea City Ladies began their Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup campaign with a hard-fought win over Cyncoed Ladies at Llandarcy.

After dominating the opening half without finding a breakthrough, the Swans fell behind through an own goal.

But they showed great character to bounce back as Chloe Chivers and Shaunna Jenkins found the net, the latter against her former club.

The Swans began by dominating possession from the offset, however, Cyncoed’s defence held firm and limited the Swans’ attacking options in the early stages.

Jess Williams nearly broke the deadlock after she met Chivers’ corner with a powerful header, but the defender saw her effort fly narrowly over the crossbar.

Cyncoed keeper Maisie Jones’ reactions were then tested after Stacey John-Davis diverted Laura Davies’ shot on goal with a header from close range.

It was goalless at the break, but Swansea found themselves in unfamiliar territory at the start of the second half as they fell behind.

As Alicia Powe reacted quickly to clear ex-Swansea player Alison Witts’ shot off the line, her clearance unfortunately bounced off the back of keeper Gemma Border and into the net.

However, the response was emphatic and - in almost no time at all - Chivers found herself in space from an acute angle and dinked the ball into the net over the keeper.

And the Swans took the lead with 62 minutes on the clock as Chivers’ corner caused trouble for Cyncoed and Jenkins was unmarked at the back post to nod it in.

John-Davis nearly increased the Swans’ lead after she was picked out by Emma Beynon, but the striker was denied by the woodwork.

Cyncoed sought a late equaliser but Seren Nia Watkins was unable to test Border as she dragged her effort wide from the edge of the box.

Swansea City Ladies: Gemma Border, Alicia Powe (captain), Ellie Lake, Jess Williams (Shaunna Jenkins 57), Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson, Nieve Jenkins (Chloe Tiley 57), Chloe Chivers, Emma Beynon, Laura Davies, Stacey John-Davis.

Subs not used: Jemma Parfitt, Brooke Llewellyn, Kate Searle.

Cyncoed Ladies: Maisie Jones, Grace Morris, Jessica Osborne, Millie Jones, Clare Daley (captain), Seren Nia Watkins, Rhianne Oakley, Caitlin Bevan, Megan Saunders (Grace O’Reilly 83), Monet Legall (Ellie Gunney ’), Alison Witts.

Subs not used: Kirstie Pervin-Davies.