City booked a place in the final of the FAW Women’s Cup with a 2-0 win over Cardiff Metropolitan University at Penydarren Park on Sunday afternoon.
Rhianne Oakley’s goals either side of half-time were enough to secure an impressive victory.
This team! 💙#CityAsOne | @AdranLeagues | @nathanielcars pic.twitter.com/RX6KlKguUl
— Cardiff City FC Women (@CardiffCityFCW) February 19, 2023
With six players away on international duty, head coach Iain Darbyshire made three changes to the side that defeated The New Saints last time out, with Mikayla Cook, Zoe Atkins and Eliza Collie coming into the starting XI.
The Bluebirds made a positive start, with Collie and Cook combining well on the right. The latter crossed dangerously towards Danielle Broadhurst, but goalkeeper Amelia Forkings gathered the ball. City continued to apply early pressure, as the ball almost dropped to Collie in the box, only for Forkings to claim once more.
Wing-back Danielle Green posed a huge threat throughout the contest, continuously beating the offside trap and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. It was her fellow wing-back Ffion Price who was next to go close however, as her cross almost found its way beyond Forkings.
A brilliant move from the Bluebirds then saw Green square to Collie in the box, who forced a fantastic save from Forkings. City found a breakthrough in the 32nd minute, as a fine cross from Seren Watkins was turned home by Oakley. Just before the break, there was almost a second goal, with Broadhurst firing just wide from the edge of the area.
Early in the second period, City hit the post, as Green found Broadhurst in space, whose effort struck the woodwork. The Bluebirds weren’t to be denied a second goal however, doubling the advantage in the 61st minute. Oakley turned the ball home from close-range to net her 13th goal of the season.
As the Archers looked to get back in the contest, substitute Elianna Chavez crossed towards Emily Allen, whose header was just over the bar. City’s defence stood strong and were protected by a fantastic performance from the Bluebirds’ midfield.
Darbyshire’s side comfortably saw out the result in the final proceedings to book a place in the final, where they will face Briton Ferry Llansawel, who defeated Aberystwyth Town in their semi-final.
FAW WOMEN'S CUP SEMI-FINAL: CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY 0-2 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City: Chamberlain, Cook (Owen 69’), Price, S Walsh ©, Power, Green, Watkins, Broadhurst, Atkins (Major 86’), Oakley, Collie (C Walsh 77’). Subs not used: Hawkins, Bowen-Quirk.
Cardiff Metropolitan University: Forkings, Davidson (Chavez 61’), Long, Corne, Turner ©, Hancocks, Allen, Westhoff, Pinder, Murray, Preece. Subs not used: Pearson, Webb, Hancock, Nanette.
Boss Darbyshire spoke of his delight in the performance and progress after the game.
“We fully believe we can win every single match, we believe that we’re the best team in the country, and we keeping proving that week in and week out," Iain began. "Even when the chips are down, we just keep battling and we have the best squad in the country.
“Everybody here should be so proud of themselves for what they’ve done. I think we were comfortable for the whole game, they didn’t really trouble us, had some half-chances, but we created the better chances.
“Briton Ferry will be a tough game in the final. We’ve played them once already this year and they’re a resolute team. We know a few of their players, and they should be proud of getting to the final. We’re looking forward to it.”
After her brilliant brace, forward Rhianne Oakley added: “It’s what we wanted at the start of the season. We sat down and said what we wanted to achieve and to reach two finals in the space of a week is amazing. It was just about performing on the day. It’s always good to get into a final and we can’t wait to play in it now.”