City Women recorded a 3-2 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel in the Adran Premier on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH SUMMARY
The visitors started well and took the lead with seven minutes on the clock through Freya Peyton. City reacted perfectly and equalised two minutes later, with Anna Houghton finding the bottom corner from distance.
Just before the break, defender Shannon Evans showed her attacking quality by rounding the goalkeeper and striking into an empty net.
A third goal came for the Bluebirds through Houghton, who was on hand to score after Gillian Keenan had hit the post.
After Maia Owen pulled a goal back for Ferry, City's defence stood firm to record all three points.
PRE-MATCH | NOAH BUSHBY
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of facing Briton Ferry Llansawel, as we always do. They’re a well-run outfit and are difficult to face up against, but that is a prospect that brings excitement for both the coaching staff and the squad.
"This is a new team that has been full of changes this summer and we’ve seen signs of progress being made in our opening two games. Of course, we are disappointed that it hasn’t resulted in points but we firmly believe in the work that we’re doing and all the players have bought into the process really well.
"It's important to have another excellent week in training and I’m so pleased with how hard the girls are working to get to the levels that we’re aiming for. The target this Sunday is to produce a positive performance and to continue to make strides as a squad.”
PRE-MATCH | MIA MALONE
"I'm really enjoying my time at the Club so far. The performances that we've put in haven't brought results but we're gelling as a team and that's definitely showing.
"Every game is another chance for us to build those relationships in the squad. We have a really good group so it's just about continuing to grow. There is so much talent in the team and we'll look to show that on Sunday.
"We know that Briton Ferry Llansawel will be a good test for us but the focus is on ourselves, what we can bring to the game and performing to the best of our ability.
"The support that we have, we love it. There was a big crowd at the game on Sunday and we always appreciate that. They really get us going and the atmosphere helps us in games."
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Sunday’s opponents began their campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory at Barry Town United’s Jenner Park before following up with a 1-1 draw at home against newly-promoted Cardiff Met.
Their standout player this campaign has been Jade Crofts, who netted a brace on the opening day before following up with the side’s goal against Met. Her tally of three goals in the opening two matches ranks joint-second in the division with The New Saints’ Lexi Jones, while the Saints’ Abbie Iddenden leads the Golden Boot race with four goals, following her hat-trick against Barry Town United this past weekend.
Looking back at our fixtures against Briton Ferry Llansawel last season, our home clash in Phase One ended in a resounding 5-1 victory with a notable goal from defender Hollie Smith, who had recently returned from a long-term injury.
The away fixture also brought similar success for the Bluebirds, who recorded a 4-1 win thanks to a professional performance. Mackenzie Olden got on the scoresheet for City that day, and she opened her account for the season in our most recent fixture against Wrexham AFC.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for this Sunday’s match will cost £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s.
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.