A valiant comeback from our Under-19s ended in heartbreak as we fell 4-3 in extra-time to Gwalia United in the FA Women's National League Plate.
Facing the Women's third-tier senior side, we raced into a 1-0 goal lead in the first period in Wales as Heidi Hills continued her fine goalscoring run for the Under-19s – scoring in consecutive games across all competitions.
The Cardiff-based side responded well after the break and three goals in a 12-minute minute spell in the second half gave them a healthy advantage as they looked on course to victory. However, our youngsters’ spirit didn’t dampen and we fought back, as Hills was on hand to convert from close range to halve the deficit.
Then, in the closing stages, Hills secured her hat-trick with a stunning goal from edge of the box to force the game into extra-time. But, four minutes into the additional 30 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty and at the second time of asking and, despite Erin Radbourne saving the initial first attempt, it was retaken for encroachment and they calmly converted at the second time of asking.
We pushed for a late equaliser but it wasn’t to be for Sabiha Jamal’s side, with Gwalia progressing to the next round of the competition, while there will be plenty of positives for our young side to take into the rest of competition.
More details to follow…
(Image credit - Ian Lovell)