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Wednesday, April 29, 2026

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Genero Adran Leagues

Cardiff Met Women clinched promotion back to the Genero Adran Premier after a year away in thrilling fashion, defeating Connah’s Quay Nomads 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the play-off final at Park Avenue.

Spare a thought though for Connah’s Quay though, who once again have fallen just short of promotion following yet another impressive unbeaten league campaign, this time by the barest of margins.

The Archers trailed for much of the contest after Hannah Slack gave the Nomads a first half lead, but Faith Mulenga’s stunning late equaliser forced the tie to a shootout. Goalkeeper Violet Bell emerged as the heroine, saving two penalties to secure victory for her side.

Both teams threatened with balls over the top in a lively opening, but Nomads defender Tia Lockley produced a superb last ditch tackle to deny Molly Chapman a clear run on goal.

Connah’s Quay, drawing on their play-off experience from the previous season, settled better and broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Slack pounced on a loose pass in the Met defence and finished coolly past Bell. Slack came close to doubling the advantage shortly afterwards, latching onto another ball over the top only to poke her effort just wide. The Nomads therefore went into half time with a narrow but deserved lead.

Jordan Parry’s side remained the stronger team after the interval and created further opportunities, but Bell was equal to efforts from Mel Barlow and Slack to keep her side in the contest.

With just one minute of normal time remaining, Cardiff Met, who had struggled to create clear chances up to this point, produced a moment of magic. Full back Faith Mulenga collected the ball on the left flank and unleashed a remarkable looping strike over Nomads goalkeeper Ruby Stevens, sending the Archers’ supporters into raptures.

The match went straight to penalties; Connah’s Quay took the early advantage when Esme Kilburn-Thompson blazed over for Met, but Mel Barlow replied. After two kicks each the score was level, with Mulenga converting and Bell saving from Phoebe Ellis. Anna Houghton and Kennesha Nanette scored either side of a successful penalty from Megan Galeandro, before Bell made her second crucial save to deny Alisha Whitehead-Hughes. That left captain Olivia Barnes with the chance to win it for Cardiff Met – and she made no mistake, slotting home to spark jubilant celebrations.

It marks an immediate return to the Genero Adran Premier for Cardiff Met, who suffered relegation from the top flight for the first time in their history last season.