Cardiff Metropolitan University got their Welsh Premier Women’s League campaign off to the perfect start with a 4-0 victory over Cyncoed Ladies at the USW Sports Park.
A hat-trick from Shannon Evans and Lauren Townsend’s superb free-kick secured all three points for the Archers.
Despite an impressive performance from Cyncoed Ladies goalkeeper Maisie Jones, Kerry Harris’ side were comfortable once ahead.
Five-time Welsh Premier Women’s League winners Cardiff Metropolitan University came out of the blocks quickly and created numerous chances in the first half.
Amy Long found joy on the right wing for the Archers and was typically the source of Kerry Harris’ side’s promising attacks.
But it was defender Nealy Martin who had the first effort of the game, driving forward from the back and firing a powerful effort, which was blocked well by a Cyncoed Ladies defender.
The Archers had a good opportunity to go in front in the eighth minute, when Shannon Evans was played through on the right.
Driving an effort at goal, Evans’ shot was well saved by the Cyncoed Ladies goalkeeper.
The battle between Shannon Evans and Maisie Jones was a theme in the first half, as they were both involved in a huge opportunity for Cardiff Metropolitan.
Evans found joy running in behind the Cyncoed Ladies’ defence and was found one-on-one with Jones, who stood up well to save and keep the score at 0-0.
With Cyncoed trying to play out from the back, Shannon Evans pressed and dispossessed a defender to create space to shoot, but Maisie Jones was once again up to the task.
Evans again went close as she fired a powerful effort at goal from inside the box, only for Jones to pull off the pick of numerous superb saves.
The Archers thought they had taken the lead in the 35th minute, when Amy Long found herself free in the box to tap home, only for the referee to rule out the goal for offside.
Despite a number of fine saves by Maisie Jones, the deadlock was broken on the stroke of half time.
Shannon Evans, who was central to the Archers’ positive attacks, was found in space to fire to Jones’ left and open the scoring.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, as Shannon Evans drove forward, cut inside and forced a save out of Jones early after the break.
Despite an impressive performance, Cyncoed Ladies goalkeeper Maisie Jones made an error for the Archers’ second goal, giving away possession to Shannon Evans, who had time to pick her spot and fire her side two goals ahead.
Cyncoed Ladies almost replied instantly, as Alison Witts, who looked the likeliest to score for the Mighty Oaks, was found in behind Cardiff Metropolitan’s defence, but was crowded out as she looked to shoot.
The Archers went further in front in the 65th minute, when a free-kick from distance was struck brilliantly by Lauren Hutton-Townsend.
Just two minutes later, Shannon Evans got her hat-trick to cap off an impressive performance from the Archers’ striker.
A cut-back into the box was fired towards goal by Emily Richards. Despite an initial save from Maisie Jones, Evans was on hand to tap home for her third of the game.
The five-time champions continued to create chances with the Mighty Oaks struggling to get out of their own half.
Lauren Townsend, whose free-kick added the third for the Archers, went close to doubling her tally for the game.
Again stepping up to take a free-kick, Townsend fired an effort wide of Maisie Jones’ goal.
With the score at 4-0, the Archers controlled possession in the second half and saw out an impressive victory.
Cyncoed Ladies will be hoping to bounce back from the defeat when they face Aberystwyth Town next week, while Cardiff Metropolitan host Cascade in their next fixture.
Cyncoed Ladies: Maisie Jones, Grace Morris, Jessica Osborne, Millie Jones, Clare Daley, Holly Broad, Caitlin Meadows, Ellie Gunney, Seren Watkins, Alison Witts, Juliet Nottingham.
Cardiff Metropolitan: Estelle Randall (Charlotte Smith 83’), Lucy Finch, Nealy Martin, Stephanie Turner, Grace Corne, Amy Long, Jodie Passmore, Sophie Hancocks, Shannon Evans (Kennesha Nanette 68’) Chloe O’Connor, Lauren Townsend.
Goals: Shannon Evans 43’ 57’ 65’, Lauren Townsend 63’
Relive the action from the USW Sports Park with our live blog below:
(Featured Image: Carl Robertson)
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