City Women were defeated by Athlone Town in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Head coach Iain Darbyshire gave a first start to summer recruit Helen Evans, who made her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut.
The hosts started brightly and applied early pressure, as the Bluebirds looked to settle. With a free-kick from the edge of the area, Roisin Molloy forced Ceryn Chamberlain to save.
City then had a positive spell of possession, with winger Mikayla Cook posing a threat on the right. Despite the Bluebirds growing into the contest in the early exchanges, Israela Groves found the net for Athlone Town in the 15th minute.
Darbyshire’s side reacted well to falling behind, with Laura Curnock setting up Fiona Barry for an effort at goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Megan Plaschko. With 40 minutes on the clock, the hosts doubled their lead, as Molloy netted from close-range. Just before the break, a third goal was added by Molloy, who headed into the net.
At the start of the second half, Hannah Waesch turned in from close-range to add a fourth goal for the hosts. On the hour mark, Lily Billingham had an effort at goal, forcing Plaschko to save.
With Darbyshire looking to his bench for reinforcements, summer recruit Maddison Perrott made her City debut, while Hannah Power made her return to competitive action. Despite the Bluebirds' efforts to force a way back into the contest, the hosts claimed victory.
FINAL SCORE: ATHLONE TOWN 4-0 CARDIFF CITY
Athlone Town: Plaschko, K Brennan, Shine, S Brennan, Mcnally, Waesch, Groves © (Slevin 68’), Brady (Donegan 68’), Molloy (Ryan 84'), Gibson (Mooney 74’), Rice. Subs not used: Matthaiou, Flannelly, Murphy O’Connor, O’Neill, Fitzgerald.
Cardiff City: Chamberlain, Owen © (Long 57’), Jenkins, S Evans, Price (Perrott 68’), H Evans (Power 84'), Walklett, Billingham, Cook, Barry (Olden 57’), Curnock (Bowen 84'). Subs not used: Olsen, G Evans, Thomas, Baker-Perry.