Cardiff City Women progressed in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup with a 3–0 win over Pontypridd United at the USW Sports Park on Sunday afternoon.
First half goals from Siobhan Walsh and Tija Richardson, along with Eliza Collie’s second half strike, were enough to claim victory.
The Bluebirds continue their progress through a competition that they have won in both of the last two seasons.
City made a brilliant start and were rewarded for doing so, taking the lead in the 10th minute through captain Walsh, who turned the ball home from a Seren Watkins corner. Just three minutes later, a dangerous cross from Ffion Price was struck home by Richardson, who netted her third goal of the campaign.
Iain Darbyshire’s side continued their positive start, as they searched for a third goal, with Collie and Price both forcing goalkeeper Klaudia Wojtyczka into saves with efforts from distance. Collie was again posing a threat, as she found space in the hosts’ box, before having her strike at goal saved.
Just before the break, City went close to adding a third, as Collie found Price free on the right with a brilliant ball, whose low cross into the area just evaded the on-rushing Richardson. After a professional first half performance, the Bluebirds led by two goals at the interval.
Much like the first half, the Bluebirds looked bright at the start of the second period, as striker Mackenzie Olden turned well before having an effort saved. The hosts’ goalkeeper was again called into action, this time through a set-piece, as Walsh’s header from Price’s free-kick was held.
In another chance, Price played the ball in-behind for Richardson, who beat the offside trap, but fired just wide of the post. Late in proceedings, Olden’s brilliant pass saw Mikayla Cook race through, but Wojtyczka was again on-hand to save. In the 86th minute, striker Collie was rewarded for her tireless performance, as she netted from close-range.
After a fine display, City booked their place in the next round of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup. The Bluebirds return to Adran Premier action next Sunday, travelling to Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue, 2pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: PONTYPRIDD UNITED 0–3 CARDIFF CITY WOMEN
Pontypridd United: Wojtyczka, Simmonds (K Williams 66’), Greenway (Broad 86’), Daley ©, M Williams, Turner, Gunney, Preece Jones, Fenton (Grosvenor 66’), Topper (Sherrard 83’), L Jones. Subs not used: Brook.
Cardiff City: Chamberlain, Price (Owen 83’), Power, S Walsh ©, Smith (Bowen 68’), Cook, Watkins (Adams 73’), Beynon (Broadhurst 68’), Richardson (Kehoe 73’), Collie, Olden.
After the full time whistle, goalscorer Richardson reflected on the performance, stating: "It was another good win for us. Cup games are always different, but we knew we had to try and keep our composure against a very defensive opposition. It felt good to score another goal for the team and to help us get the win we deserved.
"I thought we controlled most of the game, the only time they looked threatening was from our own mistakes, but that only happened because we had so much time on the ball. It was hard at times to keep the momentum going.
As a team, we got the win even though sometimes it’s was not pretty. We just got the job done."