Match Report | Aberystwyth Town Ladies 0-2 Cardiff City FC Women
The Bluebirds overcame a defiant Aberystwyth Town Ladies side on Sunday, April 18th, 2021 - with Zoe Atkins coming off the substitutes bench to net twice.
A hard fought and deserved away victory for the #Bluebirds! ?#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/X6piKFCGt4
— Cardiff City FC Women (@CardiffCityFCW) April 18, 2021
It was the Bluebirds in the ascendency from the opening minutes with Danielle Green and Phoebie Poole having efforts saved early on.
Aber captain Caroline Cooper saw a free kick from distance held by City shot stopper Charlotte Hastings after 16 minutes, but apart from this long range strike, it was the away side who controlled possession, and kept creating opportunities. Green, Catherine Walsh, Jasmine Simpson and Poole continuing to cause trouble and trying to break the deadlock. Similar to earlier this season in the capital, Aberystwyth goalkeeper Ffion Ashman was in inspired form when facing off against City.
Goalless at the interval. City with the better of the chances, but unable to net so far.#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/mk9QSI8RHb
— Cardiff City FC Women (@CardiffCityFCW) April 18, 2021
Ashman was called into action on three occasions early in the second half - and she performed heroics to keep her side level. Poole's powerful strike was tipped away, as somehow were Catherine Walsh's follow up efforts. The home defence and 'keeper were staying strong under intense pressure, with Danielle Broadhurst's shot after an hour also blocked.
A double change soon after made an impact on this match with forward Zoe Atkins returning to action, alongside 16-year-old winger Mikayla Cook. Within six minutes - City had their deserved lead. Simpson with a dangerous ball from wide on the right that was converted at close range by Atkins.
City continued their dominance in search for a second, with Sophie Norman's long range curling effort after 69 minutes drifting wide. The second goal eventually came with two minutes remaining, in a similar style to the first. This time it was Poole who played provider from the right, crossing for Atkins to make it a brace.
Substitute Lisa Owen was denied a goal late on as Ashman made a fine stop. City finishing strong, and deservedly leaving Park Avenue with all three points, two goals and another clean sheet.
FINAL SCORE: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN LADIES 0-2 CARDIFF CITY FC WOMEN
Aberystwyth Town Ladies: Ashman, Roberts, Cooper, E.Thomas (Wylde 71), C.Evans (K.Thomas 71), Gwilt (Pusey 45), Jenkins (S.Evans 83), Pugh, Mathias, Isaac (Chalmers 55), Duggan. Subs Not Used: Davies, Walker.
Cardiff City FC Women: Hastings, Price (Owen 71), Daley, S.Walsh, Pinchard, Broadhurst, Norman, Poole, Green (Cook 60), C.Walsh (Atkins 60), Simpson (Collie 85). Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Hocking, Evans.
