Cardiff City fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to TNS at Park Hall on the opening day of the 25/26 Genero Adran Premier season.
City captain Hannah Power returned to the starting XI for the first time since April 2024, with summer recruit Maddison Perrott making her first league start for the Bluebirds, along with Helen Evans who faced off against her former side.
The visitors dominated the opening exchanges, with Lily Billingham going close inside the opening eight minutes. Her left footed shot outside the area narrowly went past the post. Following that, Fiona Barry played a neat ball into the box to find Mackenzie Olden, whose volley was held by goalkeeper Rebecca Elliot for the match’s first shot on target.
Mikayla Cook’s corner was dangerously played towards the six-yard box, which was met by the head of Shannon Evans, but was unable to keep the effort down on target and flashed just wide of the post.
Goalless after the break, Barry again went close after being found in the area by Olden’s low cross at the back post, but the angle was against the attacker and was again saved by Elliott. However, TNS striker Chantelle Teare opened the scoring for the hosts on the hour mark.
Hollie Smith, who also returned to action from the bench following an injury in January, forced Elliott into a save at the near post, who pushed behind for another City corner. Despite creating numerous opportunities in the contest, the Bluebirds were unable to find a leveller.
City return to action on Sunday, September 14th with a home fixture against Briton Ferry Llansawel, with a kick off of 2pm.
FINAL SCORE: THE NEW SAINTS 1-0 CARDIFF CITY
The New Saints: Elliott, Francis-Jones, Webb, Baker, Richardson, Teare (Crees 82’), Harrison, Jones (Gibbs 80’), Lewis ©, Edge, Lightfoot (Chapman 62’). Subs Not Used: Haydn-Jones, Davies, Wellings, Thomas.
Cardiff City: Chamberlain, Owen, S. Evans, Jenkins, Cook (Bowen 86’), Power © (Walklett 75’), H. Evans, Billingham, Perrott (Smith 63’), Barry, Olden (Curnock 86’). Subs Not Used: Olsen, Thomas, Baker-Perry.