Fiona Barry’s late penalty rescued a point as City Women drew with Wrexham 1-1 at The Globe.
The two sides sat in first and second position in the league going into the fixture, with Iain Darbyshire making one change to the side that beat Aberystwyth Town last time out, as Amy Long started.
The Bluebirds had two early chances to break the deadlock, as Mikalya Cook’s cross towards Laura Curnock almost found the net before Long’s effort from range tested Wrexham 'keeper Liz Craven for the first time in the afternoon.
The hosts took the lead after Mariam Mahmood played a through ball over the top of the City defence, drawing out Ceryn Chamberlain where Katie Barker chipped the ball over the 'keeper and into the net.
City stayed resolute, creating chances before half-time through Mackenzie Olden, Shannon Evans and Lily Billingham, but were unable to level the game.
After the break, City came agonisingly close after a swift team move. Kerry Walklett played the ball out wide to substitute Barry, who found Billingham in the area and drew a good stop from Craven, who pushed behind for a corner.
Chances continued to come for the visitors, as Barry played a dangerous free-kick into Helen Evans in the area and almost turned it into the net, but was unable to reach the delivery. Barry then won a penalty with 10 minutes to play after beating two players, driving into the area then drawing the foul. She then stepped up to convert the penalty low into the corner.
The chances would continue for both sides, with Barry and Helen Evans denied by a double save from Craven, before a late stop from Chamberlain to deny Barker a brace was vital in securing a point.
The two sides competed in an entertaining encounter, with the result marking the first draw of the Adran Premier season.
FINAL SCORE: WREXHAM AFC WOMEN 1-1 CARDIFF CITY FC WOMEN
Wrexham AFC Women: Craven, Smith, Bartle, Lovett, Snape, Mahmood (Carra Jones 74’), L. Jones, Clark, Suckley, Barker, Iddenden (Hiller-Knox 88’). Subs Not Used: Ankers, Davies, Hughes, Adams, Allen.
Cardiff City Women: Chamberlain, Owen, S. Evans, Bowen, Long (Price 63’), Power ©, Billingham (Jenkins 90’), Walklett (H.Evans 71’), Olden, Cook (Barry 45’), Curnock (Perrott 71’). Subs Not Used: Olsen, Malin, Baker-Perry.
REACTION | IAIN DARBYSHIRE
After the full-time whistle, head coach Iain Darbyshire said: “It was a really good game to be a part of, both teams had spells on the front foot, tried to play attacking football and I really enjoyed being a part of it.
"Credit to Wrexham, they had a game plan and for large parts of the game, they frustrated us. We just knew that we would keep getting chances and eventually we put one away. Credit to Fiona [Barry] coming off the bench after a few games out and winning the penalty and taking it. On another day, we could have nicked it. So, all in all, I think it's a good point.
“I’m very proud of the team, that was a great game of football and a brilliant advert for the league. Everyone was on the edge of the seat for this one, it would have been a great game to see, but credit to both teams, they really turned up with a gameplan and put on a good show.”
“We have a week break now so it’ll be little bit of a light one in terms of training next week. We’ll have a couple of days training and rest a few players as we have players battling through knocks, so we'll rest up and get ready for Pontypridd United the week after.”