Cardiff City were forced to come from behind to earn a spot in this season’s Genero Adran Trophy final with a 3-1 victory over The New Saints.
Greg Draper’s side were on a high after confirming their place in the Genero Adran Premier Championship Conference last weekend and they took the lead in the 56th minute in the capital when Caitlin Chapman’s cross looped over Ceryn Chamberlain into the net.
The goal sparked Cardiff City into life and they were awarded a penalty on 68 minutes when Tia Lockley fouled Danielle Green in the box, but Phoebie Poole dragged her spot-kick wide.
The equaliser eventually came three minutes later when the Bluebirds’ January signing Manon Pearce unleashed a superb volley past Sarah Parkes.
The momentum had swung in Cardiff’s favour and two goals in the space of two minutes sent them into the final as captain Siobhan Walsh powered a header in and Poole chipped Parkes from distance.
Iain Darbyshire’s team will have the opportunity to avenge their defeat by Cardiff Met in last year’s final as the Archers also made it through to next month’s showpiece by winning 3-1 in their semi-final against Aberystwyth Town.
Ellie Preece opened the scoring after only 10 minutes at Cyncoed as she capitalised on a mix-up in the Aberystwyth defence to finish from close range.
In-form Tija Richardson grabbed her seventh goal in six games to double the lead three minutes before half-time when she flicked a header home from Preece’s cross.
The tie was all but over just two minutes into the second half when Emily Allen’s powerful shot flew past Elen Valentine, with Amy Jenkins’ goal soon after unable to inspire a comeback from a resilient Aberystwyth side.
The Genero Adran Trophy final will take place on Sunday 12 March. The venue will be confirmed in due course.