Cardiff City FC Women made it two wins from two with a commanding 4-0 victory over Aberystwyth Town Women on return to Cardiff International Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Two goals in either half topped off a terrific performance in front of the Bluebirds support.
Iain Darbyshire named an unchanged starting line-up from the season opener at Port Talbot Town, where City netted four unanswered goals.
The game began with play tight and the Bluebirds’ opening opportunity came after nine minutes. Lisa Owen sped along the right flank before crossing towards Danielle Broadhurst, who headed into the arms of Ffion Ashman.
City came close again seven minutes later. Phoebie Poole found the ball at her feet just outside the six-yard box, but her shot on the turn travelled agonisingly wide.
Forward Poole neared the opener once more with 21 minutes played. The forward cut in from the right, found space and struck on target, only for goalkeeper Ashman to make a diving save.
Cardiff City were awarded a penalty shortly before the half hour mark. Threatening Poole was brought down and she stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
That gave the Bluebirds momentum and they got a second just seven minutes later. 17-year-old Poole sped through the opposition defence before striking low and into the net to secure a brace.
Another blow was cast on Aberystwyth after 43 minutes as Flavia Jenkins was shown a red card and her side were reduced to ten players.
After the interval, City came out strong and their third goal arrived with 62 minutes on the clock. Amy Williams netted her first of the season, powerfully striking beyond stopper Ashman.
The Bluebirds wanted more and it nearly came 16 minutes later. Right-back Owen sped down the right wing and crossed into the path of Zoe Atkins, who touched just wide.
Cardiff City went on to secure their fourth goal of the game with four minutes of the 90 remaining. Midfielder Broadhurst fired home her opening goal of the campaign from close range.
That proved to be the encounter’s final goal and City deservedly sealed a second consecutive 4-0 victory.
2⃣ wins from 2⃣
— Cardiff City FC Women (@CardiffCityFCW) September 12, 2021
3⃣ points
4⃣ goals
🧤 Clean sheet
💙 #Bluebirds! #CityAsOne | @AdranLeagues pic.twitter.com/GGwOu3BxeF
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4-0 ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
Cardiff City: Chamberlain, Owen, S. Walsh, Daley, Price, Norman (C. Walsh 72’), Watkins, Broadhurst, Saunders (Atkins 72’), Williams, Poole (Green 63’). Subs not used: Forkings, Bayliss.
Aberystwyth Town: Ashman, Gwilt, Roberts, Thomas, Cooper, Isaac (F. Evans 46’), Pusey (H. Evans 46’), F. Jenkins, Pugh, A. Jenkins (Gwen 65’), Mathias. Subs not used: Walker, S. Evans.
Following the final whistle, Iain Darbyshire discussed the side's performance against Aberystwyth.
"It’s two wins out of two, two clean sheets so we’re very happy," began Iain. " We need to be more clinical in the games moving forward, but at then end of the day it’s three points and everyone played really well.
"We’ve recruited where we know that any of our players can score, and it's good to spread the goals out. Again, Phoebie's got another couple so she's continuing this new season as she ended the last one.
"We're excited to see what the future holds, building on results like the one we had today."