City Women began their Adran Trophy campaign with an 11-2 victory over Pontypridd United at Cardiff International Sports Campus.
MATCH SUMMARY
The Bluebirds produced a commanding performance in Leckwith to progress into the last eight of the Adran Trophy.
City went ahead through Mackenzie Olden, whose left-footed drive found the bottom corner, before a sublime finish from Haile Richards added a second.
A quickfire double from Gillian Keenan saw City go four ahead, while there was a fine strike from Scarlett Baker-Perry to open her account for the afternoon.
Before the break, Keenan headed home a fantastic cross from Anuka O'Hare to secure her hat-trick, before Mia Malone's shrewd finish saw the Bluebirds go into the interval 7-1 up.
In the second half, defender TJ Gauvain rose highest to head home her first City goal, while Baker-Perry's second and third goals also came from headers, marking her first hat-trick in blue.
Late in proceedings, Lily Billingham struck home shortly after coming on as the score ended 11-2. The Bluebirds will now face Briton Ferry Llansawel in the next round of the competition.
PRE-MATCH | NOAH BUSHBY
"I spoke last week about the need to avoid complacency. We want to make sure that we take every game with the same intensity and desire. Football is a game of momentum and we have to ensure that we stay in top form. Approaching this Sunday, we're excited for the prospect of this game.
"This competition means a lot to us. It's the trophy that has eluded us the most in recent years so we want to make sure that we are as successful as possible in this competition.
"Pontypridd United were in the Adran Premier last season so they will be a good side. We're expecting them to be organised and they have players with top-flight experience, so our approach has to be professional and that's key."
PRE-MATCH | SCARLETT BAKER-PERRY
"The season so far as a whole is going well which is evident as we have won the last seven games on the bounce. The support we have had from the fans has been amazing, which all the girls appreciate.
"I have really enjoyed the games I’ve been involved in and I am getting really good experiences in training and matches with the Senior Team. I hope to keep building on those throughout the season.
"Sunday is the first game in this competition so the girls are very eager to start it off strong and with every competition we play in, we are determined to go far. The aim is always to make the fans proud which is shown by the success we’ve had in these competitions over the years.
"At the moment, it’s clear we are in good form which we have every intention of maintaining. It’s crucial that we keep the standards high as we are only in the beginning of the season. We’ve still got a long way to go, so for us to do as well as we can, everyone will need to continue to push the standards, not just in games but in training as well."
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Sunday's opponents compete in the Adran South having suffered relegation at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Their drop to the second-tier has been difficult so far this season, with three defeats in their opening three matches.
In the league, the side were beaten 9-2 by Cascade, before a 4-1 loss to Cwmbran Celtic and a 2-1 defeat against Penybont.
They have fared better in the Adran Trophy however, as their four points recorded against Llanrumney United and Cambrian United were enough to secure a place in the last 16.
There are some familiar faces within Pontypridd United's ranks, with their side including Mali Ackerman, Ruby Medcraft, Molly Jones and Rebecca Neill, who represented City's U19s.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for this Sunday’s match will cost £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s.
City Women Season Tickets will be eligible for use for the last 16 stage of the Adran Trophy only.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Sunday should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.