Match Preview | Port Talbot Town Ladies vs. Cardiff City FC Women
The 2021/22 Genero Adran Premier kicks-off this weekend - with City heading to Port Talbot Town Ladies.
The Bluebirds battle the Blues at Victoria Road on Sunday, September 5th, 2021, 2pm kick-off.
Live updates from the game will be provided via our official Twitter account - @CardiffCityFCW!
The City squad has seen six new players join over the summer months. Goalkeeper Zara Mujica, defender Emily Bayliss, central midfielder Seren Watkins & forwards Lily Billingham, Amy Williams and Megan Saunders have linked up with City's senior side.
The biggest change in squad numbers has seen last season's top goalscorer Phoebie Poole take on the Number 7 shirt, while Catherine Walsh will wear City's No.9 in 2021/22.
New season, new number. Can’t wait to get started 💙👏🏻 https://t.co/FKmpO9c2Jy
— Catherine Walsh (@cathwalsh19) September 2, 2021
Speaking ahead of the opening day, head coach Iain Darbyshire said: “We’re excited to be back. It’s a new league. It’s great for everyone involved.
“We’re itching to get back and to play football. We feel like we’ve worked really hard over the summer and this is our first test to see if what we’ve worked on has come off.
“We’ve also got some new faces, who are buzzing to represent Cardiff City Football Club for the first time.
“We can’t wait for Sunday."
Midfielder Sophie Norman is about to enter her third season as a Bluebird. She added: “We’ve had a good pre-season. It was tough, but we proved to ourselves that we can compete against quality opposition. We’ve got to carry that on into the new season now. The players we’ve brought in are great additions to the squad.
“We’re really pleased with how the squad is looking. We’ve got more competition. Even in my position in the centre of midfield. I’ve just got to prove myself. I want to be on the pitch for every game.
“It has made us stronger and we’re fully prepared for Sunday’s test."
Last time at @PTTownLadiesFC...
— Cardiff City FC Women (@CardiffCityFCW) September 3, 2021
💙 @phoebie_poole 🔥#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/7eyXg8gPN6
“We’re taking it steady. You want to win every game but we’re being realistic," Iain added. “We’ve set ourselves mini targets. If we achieve the mini targets, it gives us a great chance to move forward long term.
“As a squad, we want to keep improving and progressing."
Sophie concluded: “With the U19 players and with the U16 squad coming in, it only adds more strength for us.
“They can step in when needed. Some of us can play for them too. We’ve got to fight for our places this season - but we’re excited to do so.”
