FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Final Preview: Abergavenny Women vs. Cardiff City FC Women

Cardiff City FC Women face Abergavenny Women at Plough Road, home of Goytre FC in the FAW Women’s Cup Semi-Final on Sunday, March 31st – 2pm kick-off.

For those wishing to attend, entry at the gate is £3 for adults and free for juniors and OAPs.

The fixture was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 17th, although it was called off due to the pitch failing its inspection.

FAW Women’s Cup Form

The Bluebirds have progressed through three stages on the road to the Semi-Final, defeating Tredegar 11-1 at Ebbw Vale Sports Centre in Round One, Port Talbot Town 3-1 in Round Two and Rhyl 6-1 in the Quarter-Final – both respectively at Cardiff International Sports Stadium. City have had twelve scorers in the competition to date and Alana Murphy is top with four goals.

Abergavenny reached the last four by winning 8-0 away to Willows in Round One, 1-0 against Cascade Youth Club at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium in Round Two and 2-1 over Llandudno in the Quarter-Final at Maesdu Park. Compared to Cardiff City, the Pennies have had exactly half the amount of scorers in the tournament and Kate Jeremiah leads their scoring with three goals.

Previous meetings

The sides have met twice so far this season and the Bluebirds won on both occasions. On November 25th, 2018 Murphy and Catherine Walsh netted in the 2-0 WPWL victory at Pen-Y-Pound Stadium and seven days later, Danielle Broadhurst scored a brace in the 2-1 WPWL League Cup Quarter-Final win, that went through extra-time.

Pre-match quotes

Joel Hutton

“We’ve had a couple of weeks off with our original Semi-Final being postponed, so it’s given us more time to prepare for what we know is going to be a tough game.

“From our perspective, we’ve had more contact time with the girls, which is a positive and we had a practice match last Friday with some of the Barry Town United Development boys, so that brought more intensity to the session and the girls worked hard.

“I’m well aware that Abergavenny are a good team because they’re in the Semi-Final and we don’t take any team lightly, so it’s important that we play to the best of our ability and I believe that if we do that – we’ll win the match.
“I’ve said previously that every fixture from now until the end of the season is a must win, but I’m not looking past Abergavenny because they’re a tough team to face.”

Kanisha-Mae Underdown

“We can’t wait as a team and were gutted that it was called off two weeks ago, but we’ve been working really hard to prepare for the match, so we’re ready to go out there, prove ourselves and get to the Final.

“Playing against the Barry Town United Development boys was very beneficial because they’re obviously a bit more physical than us, so that was a good test and a great little workout.

“Abergavenny can’t be underestimated, so we need to go full pelt, give our all and come away with a win – nothing else. I’m sure they’ll rise to the occasion, but I’m sure we can rise a little higher.”

Hannah Daley

“I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be a tough Semi-Final against Abergavenny, but I think we’re mentally and physically prepared for it, so it should be a good battle.

“I feel confident and the girls around me have been amazing this season, being so supportive and helpful. We’ve been scoring goals, keeping clean sheets and our squad is strong, so I think everybody’s feeling really positive going into the match.”

Catch-Up: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City TV.

Social: Live updates will come via our official Women’s Twitter account, @CardiffCityFCW!