Cardiff Metropolitan 2-0 Cyncoed: Cyncoed knocked out by clinical Archers

Cyncoed Ladies bowed out of the Welsh Premier Women’s League Cup as they fell to a late defeat to holders Cardiff Metropolitan.

Goals from Erin Murray and Robyn Pinder in the final quarter saw the Mighty Oaks knocked out in the group stage.

Fern Burrage’s side required a victory in their last group match to ensure qualification with Port Talbot Town now joining Cardiff City, Met and Swansea City in the semi-finals.

Met finish top of their group with the victory, claiming wins in all four of their fixtures.

Despite the blustery conditions, both sides started off brightly. The visitors aimed to make the first impression as Grace Morris and Lauren Lyons caused early problems for the full-backs. 

Erin Murray took the games first meaningful chance as her half-volley was just over the goal. 

Robyn Pinder controlled a lofted ball into the box but as she tried to take it past the goalkeeper, Soper superbly blocked with her legs. 

Met almost benefited from frail possession from their opponents but Lauren Townsend was unable to capitalise with her strike at Soper lacking venom. 

Townsend had a second opportunity as her hopeful effort dipped over the bar, ensuring a goalless first forty-five.

Met picked up where they left off from the first-half as they created a few opportunities to open the scoring.

Grace Corne pulled away from her marker from a corner kick but her stretched effort was well over the bar. 

Pinder found her strike partner Murray with a threaded ball but the former Cardiff City striker’s low shot was well gathered by the Cyncoed goalkeeper. 

Cyncoed then grew into the game in the second-half as they began to create some attacking opportunities. 

Firstly Athina Varnava’s placed shot was saved by Charlotte Smith after Alison Witt’s through ball. 

Varnava then laid the ball to Grace Morris for a swipe from distance but Morris’ laced effort sailed over Smith’s bar.

Met attacker Alexis Rienks spent too much time on the ball as her late shot was blocked by Lauren Harris.

The hosts broke the deadlock with just 12 minutes of regulation time remaining from their captain. 

Poppy Soper came out to reach Rienks’ low ball across goal but missed it completely, allowing Robyn Pinder to rip home her shot into an empty net.

Cardiff Met wrapped the game up four minutes from time as Erin Murray showed perseverance to double their lead. 

Late substitute Kitty Wells made an immediate impact as her pinpoint pass found Murray to stroke past a helpless Soper. 

Cardiff Met: Charlotte Smith, Alexis Rienks, Grace Corne, Ffion Llewellyn, Stephanie Turner, Sophie Hancocks, Amy Long (Stacey Ayling 62), Lauren Townsend, Erin Murray, Robyn Pinder (C), (Kitty Wells 87), Lucy Finch (Chloe Tiley 79)

Cyncoed Ladies: Poppy Soper, Lauren Harris, Holly Broad (C), Caitlin Williams (Kirstie Pervin-Davies 72), Naomi Grant, Athina Varnava, Clare Daley (Ellie Gunney 79), Lauryn Lyons, Alison Witts, Hollie Smith, Grace Morris.

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(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)