17/05/2026
Penywaun FC Ladies - 3
Llangynwyd Rangers FC Women - 3
In their final game of the season, Penywaun showed tremendous character and determination to battle back from two goals down and secure a dramatic 3–3 draw against Llangynwyd Rangers in an action-packed encounter full of twists, quality finishes, and late drama. After suffering a heavy 9–3 defeat in the previous meeting between the two sides earlier in the season, this performance showed just how much the girls have improved and developed over the course of the campaign.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and stunned Penywaun with an early breakthrough after just four minutes. A dangerous corner was swung into the area and, with the defence slow to react, a Llangynwyd midfielder was left completely unmarked inside the box. She took full advantage, powering a free header beyond the goalkeeper to give Rangers the perfect start.
Only six minutes later, Llangynwyd doubled their advantage and put Penywaun firmly on the back foot. The home side failed to close the attacker down quickly enough on the edge of the area, allowing space for a speculative effort from distance. The shot looked manageable, but the ball slipped through the hands of the Penywaun goalkeeper and agonisingly rolled into the back of the net to make it 2–0 after just 10 minutes.
Despite the difficult opening, Penywaun gradually began to settle into the game and started to create pressure of their own. Their response came in the 32nd minute from a well-worked set piece. Winning a corner, Saskia Wickham delivered an excellent ball with pace and precision into the heart of the penalty area. Amilia Cowdry timed her run perfectly, rising above the defenders to meet the cross with a powerful header that flew into the back of the net, giving Penywaun a deserved route back into the match before half-time.
The second half began in frustrating fashion for Penywaun as Llangynwyd restored their two-goal cushion just three minutes after the restart. Overcommitting defensively and diving into challenges, Penywaun allowed the Rangers attacker enough room to drive forward and shoot. The effort took full advantage of bodies in front of goal, squeezing through the legs of a defender and leaving the goalkeeper unsighted as the ball nestled into the corner to make it 3–1.
To their credit, Penywaun refused to let their heads drop and continued to push forward in search of a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute with an excellent attacking move down the wing. Demi Brown showed outstanding pace and determination to burst past her defender and race to the by-line before delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Chelsea Herbert had found space inside the box and, left unmarked, kept her composure to calmly slot the ball home and reduce the deficit to 3–2, setting up a nervy finale.
As the match moved deep into stoppage time, Penywaun threw everything forward in pursuit of an equaliser. Their pressure finally told in the seventh minute of added time when Chelsea Herbert was brought down inside the penalty area after a determined run into the box. With the game hanging in the balance and pressure mounting, Sam Jones stepped up to take the spot kick. Remaining calm and composed in the crucial moment, she confidently fired the penalty into the back of the net to spark celebrations and complete a remarkable comeback for Penywaun.
Players of the Match 👏🏻
Saskia Wickham was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Her work rate on and off the ball was exceptional, and she simply did not stop running all game, constantly driving the team forward and battling for every challenge.
Amilia Cowdry was like a rock at the back throughout the match. The passion and commitment she shows every single week is second to none, and she capped off her performance by leaping like a salmon to score a brilliant header that helped spark Penywaun’s comeback.
It was also fantastic to see so many supporters in attendance, creating a brilliant atmosphere and making the occasion even more special. Their encouragement and support throughout the game helped drive the team on during the comeback and added to what was already a memorable final match of the season.
In a thrilling and fiercely contested match, Penywaun demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and belief to recover from a difficult start and earn a deserved draw against a strong Llangynwyd Rangers side - a performance that perfectly reflected the progress the team has made throughout the season.
The ladies now look more than ready for the next season and, if they continue producing performances like this, there is plenty to be excited about moving forward. They are also more than ready to work hard throughout preseason and continue building on the huge improvements they have made this year.
UPPAWAUN 🖤🤍
