Swansea City claimed victory in the South Wales Derby this afternoon as they beat a misfiring Cardiff City at Leckwith Stadium.
The Swans were clinical with their two goals and nullified the attacking threat of Cardiff who had only conceded three goals before today.
Goals from Emma Beynon and Sophie Hancocks gave the Swans their final victory in 2018, as they go into the new year in second place, six points off of league leaders Cardiff Metropolitan.
Defeat for Cardiff sees them drop down to fifth place, three points behind Swansea but the Bluebirds do hold a game in hand over their South Wales counterparts.
Ian Owen’s side started on the front foot and showed their attacking intent early on. Emma Beynon shot from distance and it grazed the top of the bar.
Ceryn Chamberlain was forced into action not long after Beynon’s shot. Katy Hosford broke in on the far side and attempted to a place a shot into the corner, but the Cardiff keeper saved the shot.
The Swans took the lead to no surprise after their early chances. Sophie Hancocks rifled an effort past Chamberlain to give the visitors the lead.
A second goal almost came not long after their first. A Swans corner found the head of Shauna Jenkins and her header was cleared off the line by Mollie Jones.
Swansea were enjoying possession and retained the ball well, forcing Cardiff to come at them.
A rare chance for Cardiff fell to Alana Murphy who had a hopeful shot from distance but it sailed wide of the target.
Later Cardiff had a real chance from a Murphy free-kick. Kanisha Underdown flicked a header towards goal and it was cleared off the line.
Underdown went close again towards the end of the first half. Catherine Walsh’s cross found the City forward and her shot went agonisingly wide of the target.
Iain Derbyshire rang the changes at half-time as Cardiff opted for a new attack. Lucy McDonough replaced Kelly Bourne.
McDonough almost made an immediate impact as she rushed through on goal but was blocked by Gemma Border.
Having dealt with Cardiff’s early second half pressure, Swansea had their own opportunity. Katy Hosford’s free-kick rattled the crossbar with Chamberlain beaten. Hosford tested Chamberlain again moments later.
McDonough was certainly making an impact for Cardiff as she tried to get Cardiff back into the game. Catherine Walsh’s driven free-kick was directed into the path of McDonough but Border gracefully collected the effort.
Cardiff substitute Daisy Connolly was shown a yellow card just 12 minutes after being introduced. She fouled Katy Hosford who for a free-kick. Hosford’s free-kick was whipped into the box and Emma Beynon doubled Swansea’s advantage.
In the final stages of normal time, Ellie Lake almost furthered Swansea’s lead as her effort whistled past the post.
Swansea saw out the game and claimed victory over their South Wales rivals.
(Featured Image: Jordan Harris)
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