Cardiff City Women claimed an important 2-0 victory over Aberystwyth Town at Park Avenue on Sunday afternoon.
After a competitive opening period, City broke the deadlock through Mikayla Cook, before Seren Watkins ensured the victory.
Head coach Iain Darbyshire made five changes to the side that defeated Wrexham last time out, with Anna Phelps, Megan Bowen, Kerry Walklett, Kelly Adams and Cook coming into the starting XI.
The opening exchanges saw chances for both sides, as Lleucu Mathias raced through, only to fire wide of the post. City reacted well, with Rhianne Oakley driving forward on the right, before forcing a save from goalkeeper Sophie Steele.
With 30 minutes on the clock, the Bluebirds went close to taking the lead through Eliza Collie, who was found free in the area by Oakley, but fired wide of the post. The City striker went close again before the break, as her first-time effort from inside the area flew just over.
On the hour mark, wing-back Cook drove forward on the left and crossed to the back post towards Oakley, who did well to meet the ball, but couldn’t quite convert. The Bluebirds’ persistence was rewarded in the 69th minute, as Darbyshire’s side took the lead. A Ffion Price free-kick came to Cook in the area, who showed great desire to head home.
City immediately pushed for a second goal and went close through Collie, who struck a great effort towards goal, forcing another save from Steele. In another chance, Cook found Price, who picked out Oakley in the box. The Bluebirds attacker was denied by another fine stop from Steele.
In the 88th minute, midfielder Watkins struck a fine effort into the bottom corner to ensure the three points for City. Darbyshire’s side return to action on Wednesday evening, hosting Swansea City Women at Cardiff International Sports Campus, 7.45pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 0-2 CARDIFF CITY
Aberystwyth Town: Steele, R Mathias, Elan Jones (Elin Jones 60’), Duggan, Thomas (James-Evans 78’), Isaac, Evans, Moralee-Hughes, Jenkins (Mason 67’), Gwynne, L Mathias. Subs not used: G Jones, Baker.
Cardiff City: Phelps, Owen, Bowen, Power ©, Smith, Cook, Walklett (Beynon 46’), Adams (Watkins 46’), Oakley (Basham 84’), Collie, Kehoe (Price 54’). Subs not used: Chamberlain.
We caught up with head coach Darbyshire after the full-time whistle.
“The performance wasn't quite at the level that we wanted it to be, but we had a bit of class when we needed it," Iain began. "I thought we were under the levels that we usually set. Aberystwyth dug deep and caused us real problems, but ultimately, everyone performed a lot better in the second half and we’re grateful to secure the three points.
“We knew we had to change it at half time and have a bit more intensity to put them under more pressure. Credit to the girls who came on, they did exactly what I asked of them.
“Aberystwyth broke the game up well and they’re very direct, they caused us problems. We set the challenge for the girls and they stepped up in the second half."