Cardiff City Women were defeated by Swansea City Women at the Swansea.com stadium on Sunday.
Stacey John-Davis' goal was enough for the home side to take all three points.
City came close to the lead inside the first ten minutes, as Fiona Barry’s cross almost found the boot of Laura Curnock at the back post, however, it was just out of reach for the summer recruit.
It was then the home side’s turn to go close, as Emily Thomas’ effort from the left flank was well stopped by Ceryn Chamberlain. Swansea captain Katy Hosford also had a volley from Shannon Evans’ headed clearance but was blazed well over the bar.
Ffion Price came closest for the defending champions in the opening 45 minutes, as her cross turned shot was drifting into the net but was parried behind by Claire Skinner.
After the break, Evans made a huge block at the back to deny John-Davis after Hosford’s pull back in the area to keep the game goalless.
John-Davis made it 1-0 after rounding Chamberlain, and despite a valiant effort from Nieve Jenkins, she couldn’t get enough on the challenge as the ball drifted into the net.
Barry attempted to drag her team back into the game, first with an effort outside the area which went just wide, and another which was again saved by Skinner.
The Bluebirds couldn’t quite find an opening to force an equaliser and the home side held on for the win.
Next up for City is a home fixture against top of the table Briton Ferry Llansawel, which takes place on Sunday, October 13th at Cardiff International Sports Campus, with a kick-off time of 2pm.
FINAL SCORE: SWANSEA CITY WOMEN 1-0 CARDIFF CITY WOMEN
Swansea City Women: Skinner, Finch, Brisland-Hancocks, Turner, Cullen, Pinder, Hosford (C), John-Davis (Deacon 90+1), Thomas (Chivers 61), Williams, Jones. Subs Not Used: Wynne, Broadhurst, Trivett.
Cardiff City Women: Chamberlain, Owen, Price, Jenkins, S Evans, Bowen ©️, Walkett (Collie 75), Kehoe, Billingham, Curnock (Mikayla Cook 61), Barry. Subs Not Used: Phelps, Bull, G Evans.
After the full-time whistle, Iain Darbyshire said: “First half we were the much better team. They set up exactly as we thought they would, and we created opportunities, but we just didn’t have that final product.
"Second half was one mistake and from that, they have the lead to defend. We knew with the experienced players they have that they would be difficult to break down if they had something to hold on to.
"We have to understand what it is to represent this club, for some of the players who are fresh and have come up through the ranks this is a learning curve for them."