Cardiff City Women produced a fantastic second-half performance to secure a 5–1 victory over Aberystwyth Town at Park Avenue on Sunday afternoon.
Despite Gwenllian Jones opening the scoring for the hosts, goals from Rhianne Oakley, Ffion Price, Phoebie Poole and Siobhan Walsh’s brace saw the Bluebirds claim all three points.
Head Coach Iain Darbyshire made two changes to the side that defeated Llandudno Ladies last time out, with Emily Roberts and Megan Saunders coming into the starting XI.
City made a positive start, as striker Poole created space on the edge of the box and fired just over the woodwork. The Bluebirds continued to create chances, as wing-back Danielle Green cut inside and forced a save from goalkeeper Elen Valentine.
However, the hosts posed a threat on the counter-attack, forcing an opportunity of their own through Libby Isaac, who was denied by a fine save from Roberts. The Seasiders did take the lead in the 27th minute, as Gwenllian Jones’ corner went straight into the net.
City responded well to falling behind, as Saunders found Poole free on the edge of the box, whose effort was saved. In another positive attack, the ball came out to Price on the edge of the area, who volleyed just over the bar.
Shortly before the interval, Poole ran clear and was brought down by Kelly Thomas, who was shown a straight red card. Despite the Bluebirds’ efforts to equalise, the hosts lead 1-0 at the break.
City made the perfect start to the second-half, as substitute Oakley made an instant impact, firing home from Price’s dangerous cross into the area. As the Bluebirds immediately searched for a second goal, midfielder Seren Watkins went close with a fantastic strike from distance.
Darbyshire’s side weren’t to be denied however, taking the lead in the 60th minute through Price, who struck a brilliant effort into the bottom corner. Price went close to adding another, firing another great strike, this time hitting the woodwork.
Having come on as a substitute, Zoe Atkins made a brilliant impact, playing in Poole, who finished calmly into the bottom corner in the 79th minute.
City showed their quality in the second-half, adding a fourth through captain Walsh, who found the net from Price’s pinpoint corner just two minutes later. In a frantic period of three goals in five minutes, Watkins’ corner was turned home once again by Walsh, who has netted four goals in the last two fixtures.
After a brilliant second-half recovery, City return to action next weekend, travelling to The New Saints on Sunday 29th January, 2pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 1–5 CARDIFF CITY WOMEN
Aberystwyth Town: Valentine, Gwilt (Wylde 69’), Mathias ©, Roberts, E Jones (K Thomas 15’), E Thomas (Baker 69’), Isaac, Chambers, F Evans, G Jones, Jenkins (S Evans 51’). Subs not used: Mawle.
Cardiff City Women: Roberts, Price, Power, S Walsh ©, Bowen (Smith 84’), Green, Watkins (Major 84’), Broadhurst (Atkins 76’), Billingham, Poole (Owen 84’), Saunders (Oakley 46’).
After the final whistle, head coach Darbyshire said: “We knew what it was going to be, every time we come here, it’s a really big scrap.
“They’re a really well-coached team with a lot of good players. They’re a team on the up and caused us real problems, but in the second-half we made a few changes, tweaked the shape a little bit and it allowed us to build a bit better.
"The sending off makes a big impact, but you still have to go and win the game. I thought we were so ruthless and were fantastic in that second-half.”