Match Report: Cardiff City FC Women 2-1 Briton Ferry Llansawel Ladies
Cardiff City FC Women defeated Briton Ferry Llansawel Ladies 2-1 at Cardiff International Sports Stadium in the Welsh Premier Women’s League on Sunday afternoon.
Lowri Ridings gave the visitors an early lead, but Alana Murphy's neatly taken double ensured the Bluebirds took all three points from this tough fixture.
Iain Darbyshire made four changes from last time out as Daisy Connolly, Kiani Wong, Cerys Pinchard and Zoe Atkins entered the starting line-up.
Briton Ferry got off to a determined start and took the lead after three minutes. Captain Lowri Ridings managed to convert the ball into the net following a scramble in the area, which resulted from a corner.
City responded strongly and came close to an equaliser, three minutes later. Catherine Walsh’s powerful header from close range was saved by Courtney Young.
The Bluebirds continued to press for a leveller and it eventually came with 11 minutes of the opening 45 remaining. Forward Alana Murphy superbly found the bottom left corner from range and became the squad’s top scorer on ten goals.
After the interval, it took the hosts six minutes to go in front. Half-time substitute Kate Jeremiah demonstrated her threat by dashing along the left flank, before delivering a low cross that was beautifully curled in by forward Murphy, who sealed her brace.
Cardiff City looked eager to extend their advantage and after 51 minutes, centre-back Connolly’s ambitious effort from range was threatening, but saved by goalkeeper Young.
Play continued to tighten as both sides continued to stand resilient in defence and no clear-cut opportunities arose until 84 minutes had been played. Pacey forward Jeremiah raced Young to the ball and won, but the ‘keeper was able to save.
Despite City pressing for a third, no further goals followed and the Bluebirds took three points, securing their sixth victory of the competitive campaign.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY FC WOMEN 2-1 BRITON FERRY LLANSAWEL LADIES
Cardiff City FC Women: Chamberlain, Connolly, S. Walsh, Daley, Wong, Norman (Underdown 59’), Green, Pinchard (Jeremiah 46’), Atkins (Owen 68’), C. Walsh, Murphy. Subs not used: Cartwright, Broadhurst.
Briton Ferry Llansawel Ladies: Young, Howells (Roberts 36’), Braithwaite, Richards, Day, Ridings, Powell, Kearle, Rees, Baker (Topper 80’), Owen.
