Adran Premier Report | Swansea City 1-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff City Women fought back to claim an important point in a 1-1 draw against Swansea City Ladies at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
With winger Katy Hosford opening the scoring for the Swans, the Bluebirds showed character and equalised through a sublime strike from Phoebie Poole.
Head coach Iain Darbyshire named an unchanged side following a brilliant performance in a 5-0 win over Cardiff Metropolitan University last time out.
City forced the first chance by pressing well, as midfielder Seren Watkins won the ball back before striking at goal from the edge of the box, forcing goalkeeper Claire Skinner into a fine save.
The hosts created an opportunity of their own through right back Ellie Lake, who drove into the box, only for her effort across goal to be well-saved by Ceryn Chamberlain.
As the Swans pushed forward through Nia Rees, City captain Siobhan Walsh made a vital interception to deny striker Stacey John-Davis, who later went close with an effort from the edge of the box, which flew just wide.
Just before the break, the Bluebirds forced a chance, with Hannah Power crossing for Zoe Atkins, whose header was saved by Skinner.
In the 53rd minute, the Swans took the lead, as John-Davis found Hosford on the right, who struck into the bottom corner. The hosts’ captain, Emma Beynon, went close to adding a second, firing just over from a corner.
City were forced to show character and did so admirably, equalising in the 71st minute through Poole, who brilliantly curled home from the edge of the box.
After the Bluebirds levelled, the hosts went close to striking back through defender Jess Williams, whose header from a corner looked goal-bound, only for Chamberlain to produce an outstanding save.
Despite both side’s efforts to find a winner, the contest finished level. The Bluebirds return to FAW Women’s Cup action next weekend, facing Abergavenny Women at Cardiff International Sports Campus on Sunday, 12 December, 2pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: SWANSEA CITY LADIES 1–1 CARDIFF CITY WOMEN
Swansea City Ladies: Skinner, S Jenkins, Lake, Beynon ©, Adams, N Jenkins, Hosford, John-Davis, Rees (Legall 65’), Williams, Cullen (Horgan 85’).
Subs not used: Herbert, Tiley, Freeman.
Cardiff City Women: Chamberlain, Price, Power, S Walsh ©, Smith, Green, Watkins, Broadhurst, Atkins (Billingham 62’), Oakley, Poole.
Subs not used: Roberts, Bowen, Hughes, Saunders.
After the final whistle, head coach Darbyshire spoke to cardiffcityfc.co.uk:
“It was a tough battle,” Iain began. “We knew coming into this game that it was going to be difficult, we were expecting a tough test and we got one.
"After falling behind, I was really pleased with how the girls reacted, they showed a lot of character and fought back to earn an important point that keeps us in a strong position in the table.
"We’ll keep working hard and prepare for another test against Abergavenny in the cup next week.”
Striker Poole, who netted a brilliant equaliser, added: “It was just instinct. I’ve been in good form this season, but that wouldn’t have happened without the girls.
"We showed great character and fought back. It’s the goal that everyone remembers, but everyone should remember how well we reacted.
"The girls really help me to show my best self and I’m really glad that I can help the team by scoring goals.”
