Ruthless display delights Swansea City Ladies' boss Colin Staples

Colin Staples was delighted by Swansea City’s ruthless display in their 7-1 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel, revealing a need to be relentless was one of the key lessons taken from their recent Champions League experience.

Hat-tricks from Stacey John-Davis and Tija Richardson, plus a goal from Emma Beynon, made it three wins from three for the Swans in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.

It was Swansea’s first game since their 3-0 Champions League defeat to Apollon Ladies in Cyprus, where they put up a battling performance.

And the manner in which the Cypriot champions never let up for a moment is a quality the head coach is keen to see his side develop.

“Being ruthless was one of the things we spoke about when came back from Cyprus, how Apollon never ever gave up against us,” he said.

“They showed us the ultimate respect and we want to try and do that now for ourselves against our opposition, who we respect massively anyway.

“At half-time we had a chat and we knew we had to step it up. There were a couple of instances where we were sloppy if I’m being honest.

“So to score seven goals and concede one, on the strength of what we have been through over the last week and a bit with the travel, is a good performance I believe.

“However, we still have things to work on but that’s a given.”

Two of Richardson’s goals came from excellent set-piece deliveries which the defensive midfielder converted confidently.

And Staples was pleased to see the work on the training ground pay off in a game situation, while also praising striker John-Davis as she took her tally for the season to five goals.

“It is great for Tija and she deserves it as she works incredibly hard,” added Staples.

“The set-piece is something we have worked on, so from my perspective it is even better for us that we can actually see things paying off.

“But for Tija herself she put in a great shift, and fully deserved what she got from the match.

“I also can’t speak highly enough of Stacey, her work-rate is always phenomenal.

“Against Apollon in midweek she never had those opportunities, but she still puts a shift in for the team, so to come back into the league and get a hat-trick is fantastic.

“It is a great welcome return to the league and obviously the result is vital.”