The Bluebirds booked a place in the next round of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup with a 5–0 win over Swansea University at Cardiff International Sports Campus.
Goals from Hannah Power, Rhianne Oakley, Hollie Smith and a brace from Mackenzie Olden saw City claim victory.
Head coach Iain Darbyshire’s starting XI included U19s goalkeeper Marnie Gingell, who made her senior debut, with Smith returning from injury to start.
The Bluebirds created a series of chances in the early stages, with Oakley finding space in the box, before having an effort deflected just wide. Wing-back Mikayla Cook also went close, as she struck a fine effort from distance just over the bar. In another City chance, midfielder Tija Richardson was found in the box, but saw her effort saved by goalkeeper Isobel Platten.
Darbyshire’s side continued to create opportunities, with Olden crossing dangerously from the left, which Oakley almost headed in at the back post. City found a breakthrough in the 35th minute, as centre-back Power was free in the box to head home her first goal of the campaign.
The Bluebirds added a second goal just two minutes later, as Olden fired a brilliant effort into the bottom corner to double the advantage. After a professional first half display, City went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Striker Oakley made the perfect start to the second period, as she headed home a perfect cross from Olden to add City’s third. The Bluebirds clinically netted a fourth through Smith, who celebrated her return from injury by getting on the scoresheet.
After recording a fine assist for Oakley’s goal, Olden turned from provider to scorer, as she struck her second of the afternoon from distance. In the second period, U19 players Olivia Basham, Madison Lloyd and Mali Ackerman all gained senior team experience, as they came off the bench.
City return to league action next Sunday, welcoming Cardiff Met to Cardiff International Sports Campus on Sunday, November 19th.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 5-0 SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
Cardiff City: Gingell, Owen, Price, Power © (Bowen 70’), Smith, Cook, Adams, Broadhurst, Richardson, Oakley, Olden (Ackerman 70’). Subs not used: Chamberlain.
Swansea University: Platten, Perkins, Sullivan (Ferrar 74’), Webb (Currie 69’), Walters (Pinney 45’), Meadows, Goucher, Barris (Raggett 84’), Haynes ©, Baker, Davies (Horsburgh 45’).
Reflecting after the full-time whistle, head coach Darbyshire said: “It was a good experience for us. Credit to Swansea Uni, they defended really well and made it difficult for us. We set our players a challenge of winning the game and getting into the next round. We’ve got a very good record in this cup and the players performed really well.
“They came with a gameplan and they stuck to it. We want to support these teams as much as we want to beat them. They came here and represented their league very well, but credit to our players for coming away with a win.”
Defender Smith, who got on the scoresheet in the second half, added: “It was a good performance and a clean sheet. We got through the game pretty smoothly and we’re looking forward to the next round now.
“The game came at a good time for me coming back from injury, so it was an opportunity. It was brilliant to get back out there with the girls.”