Yzzy Taylor proud of team performance despite South Wales derby defeat

Yzzy Taylor praised her players' intensity and defensive display after Swansea City Women were beaten 3-1 by Cardiff City in the South Wales derby.

The Swans took the lead in the South Wales derby, with Taite Trivett opening the scoring with a superb long-range strike from 35 yards out to net her first goal of the season.

Cardiff would draw level three minutes before half-time, as Kate Oakley's cross into the area was met by Swans captain Jess Williams, whose attempted clearance saw her head the ball into her own net.

A second-half penalty from Haile Richards put Noah Bushby's side ahead before captain Shannon Evans added a third, heading home from a Ffion Price corner.

Despite the scoreline, it was a competitive contest, and Taylor was proud of what her side had shown throughout the game, believing there was plenty in the performance for the team to build on over the coming weeks.

"We have to be honest that losing the game 3-1 is disappointing but looking at the game as a whole the performance levels have been superb today.

"There were little moments that we could have done better in terms of how we conceded the goals, with a penalty and set play in the second half I think in terms of where we have had some tough losses and performances we can be proud of how the squad played today." Taylor said.

"We approached the game really well and look the Taite's goal was superb and she can be really proud of that but I think the intensity from the girls and our defensive display in that first half was brilliant. 

"I think they had some cabin chances and we were able to manage that, I think its one of those things when you are defending the game and facing your own goal and conceding just before half time is tough and something we will look at but I think there are plenty of things we can be happy with. 

"Credit to Cardiff they were also very good in the first half so it was important to go in at half time and talk about the problems we are facing and come up with solutions to weather their threats. 

"The team's mindset ws great today and I think it gives us a great platform to keep moving forward with." 

Another positive for the Swans was the first competitive appearance of summer signing Annabel Stokes, who has endured an injury-disrupted start since joining the club.

Her return to action will provide head coach Yzzy Taylor with another valuable attacking option as Swansea look ahead to the coming weeks.

"It is great to have Annabel back.

"We signed her at the start of the season and unfortunately for her she has had a couple of injuries. 

"I think first of all its nice to see her shirt hung up in the changing rooms before the game but also to be able to come onto the pitch.

"We spoke about when we signed her that she offers something different to our offensive line and we are really excited to see what she can do for us this season." 

The Swans will now turn their attention to the Adran Trophy, where they will face fellow Genero Adran Premier side Barry Town United. A break from league action will provide an opportunity to focus on their cup campaign.

"We have a week off from the league and we begin our cup run in the Adran Trophy. Silverware is really important to us and something we want to be competing for and that will be our main focus this week in training to make sure we are ruthless when we need to be and that's what cup competitions are all about."