Match Report Under 17’s: Briton Ferry Llansawel 3-2 Cardiff Met

Briton Ferry Llansawel U17s edge Cardiff Met in top-of-the-table thriller.

The SWWGL U17 league’s two unbeaten sides went head-to-head in a thrilling encounter, as Briton Ferry Llansawel edged out Cardiff Met 3–2 in an intense, end-to-end contest at Cwrt Herbert 3G.

Both teams arrived full of confidence after strong starts to the season, and the quality on display showed exactly why they sit at the top of the table. The result means Cardiff Met remain leaders for now, but Ferry have closed the gap — and with a game in hand, the title race is perfectly poised.

Briton Ferry’s set-piece execution proved decisive, with all three goals stemming from dead-ball situations a testament to their preparation, discipline, and determination.

The result extends Ferry’s unbeaten start to the season and moves them within striking distance of the leaders. With a game in hand, the SWWGL U17 title race remains wide open and is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

A thrilling top-of-the-table clash that showcased the very best of Welsh youth football full of quality, spirit, and drama. Ultimately, it was Briton Ferry’s composure and clinical set-piece play that made the difference.

---

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides composed in possession and looking to impose their style early on.

Cardiff Met started brightly, forcing Briton Ferry onto the back foot through sharp passing and intelligent pressing.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 19th minute when Neve Powell broke the deadlock. Awarded a free kick just outside the box, a superb effort around the wall saw Ferry’s goalkeeper getting a touch onto the post with Powell following up for a tap in to make it 1-0.

Briton Ferry responded well, gradually finding rhythm through Sophia Grove and Tia Casburn-Davies.  Isabelle Cullen and Bella Williams worked tirelessly on the flanks to stretch the play.

Ferry created several half-chances, including a strong strike from Grove that forced a fine save, but Cardiff Met’s defence remained disciplined to preserve their advantage at the break.

Half-Time: Briton Ferry Llansawel 0–1 Cardiff Met

Briton Ferry came out with renewed energy after the restart, showing greater urgency and aggression in midfield. Their efforts paid off quickly in the 43rd minute, when they drew level through a well-executed set piece.

A perfectly delivered corner from the right found Sophia Grove, who rose highest to power home a header and make it 1–1.

The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Ferry’s favour. They began to dominate possession, winning second balls and forcing Cardiff Met deeper into their own half.

The pressure told again in the 58th minute, when a free kick caused chaos in the box. Met failed to clear their lines, and Tia Casburn-Davies reacted sharply, striking first time through a crowd of players. Her effort arrowed into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround at 2–1.

With confidence flowing, Ferry continued to press for a third. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute, once again from a set piece. A teasing free kick into the box wasn’t dealt with by the Met keeper, and Grove reacted quickest to pounce on the loose ball, tapping home from close range for her second of the match.

The Archers, to their credit, hit back almost immediately. Just a minute later, in the 79th minute, Grace Elizabeth Baynham finished neatly following a swift counterattack to reduce the deficit to 3–2 and set up a tense finale.

Despite late pressure, Briton Ferry’s defensive unit stood firm, holding on to secure a memorable victory.

Full-Time: Briton Ferry Llansawel U17s 3–2 Cardiff Met U17s

Goals:

Briton Ferry Llansawel: Grove 43, 78, Casburn-Davies, 58.

Cardiff Met: Powell 19, Baynham 79.

#IAmRed