Cardiff Metropolitan 5-0 Cascade Ladies: O’Connor hat-trick gives Archers comfortable victory

Cardiff Metropolitan remained at the top of the league after cruising to victory over Cascade Ladies.

A first-half hat-trick from Chloe O’Connor as well as an an Emily Richards screamer and a Jodie Passmore gave the Archers their second win of the season.

Met were in complete control throughout the match and may have won by a bigger margin but for a number of fine saves from Hollie Williams. 

Cascade did have a number of attacking opportunities but Met dealt with the rare pressure from the away side well. 

Met’s route at goal looked to be from the wings as Amy Long and Lauren Townsend caused early problems.

Met didn’t wait long to score their first goal as O’Connor opened her account.

Lauren Townsend hit a rasping shot at Williams who made a fine save but O’Connor scored on the follow up with a powerful finish.

Met looked to add a second as Emily Richards had a free-run at goal but her shot deflected agonisingly past the post. 

Moments later Richards opened her account with a fine strike from 25-yards with Williams well beaten. 

Kerry Harris’ side were on top of the game and almost scored directly from a corner with Townsend going near.

O’Connor put the Met into a comfortable position as she scored her second with a well-taken header from Sophie Hancocks’ free-kick. 

Cascade did have a shot on target as Daisy Evan-Watkins struck from distance but Estelle Randall was unchallenged.

Met were in complete control and Lauren Townsend should have added a fifth but she shot over from six-yards out.

The hosts scored their fourth before the half-hour mark as O’Connor secured her hat-trick by using her neat feet to dance around the defenders before placing her shot into the low corner. 

Hungry for more, O’Connor hit a powerful shot but Williams made a reactive save to deny her. 

Nanette who displayed good holdup play almost bagged a goal for herself but forced Williams into a stop in the last action of the half.

Early in the second period Long had the chance to score after breaking free but her shot was the right height for a save from the Cascade keeper.

Cascade had more about them in the second-half and were trying to find their creative outlet Annaliese Lewis.

Met were awarded a chance to make it five when a penalty was conceded by Sophie Hamer.

Jodie Passmore missed her spot-kick with Williams making a fine stop but she was able to score on the rebound. Confusion did ensue however as the linesman put his flag up but the referee deemed the goal legit.

Met were creating more opportunities as Nealy Martin’s shot glanced across goal.

Martin’s shot was the last meaningful chance of the game as Met ran out comfortable winners in South Wales.

Cardiff Metropolitan: Estelle Randall, Emily Richards (Ellenna Finneran, 73), Nealy Martin, Stephanie Turner, Grace Corne, Amy Long (Hannah Davies, 68), Sophie Hancocks, Chloe O’Connor, Jodie Passmore, Lauren Townsend, Kennesha Nanette (Millie Pearce, 54)

Goals: Chloe O’Connor 4, 23, 28, Emily Richards 12, Jodie Passmore 67′

Cascade Ladies: Hollie Williams, Sophie Hamer, Jasmin Davies-Harris, Charlotte Palmer, Casey Thomas, Holly Hughes, Daisy Evan-Watkins, Anny Lewis (C), Chrysttalla Moreton, Mia Kemp, Chloe Condy (Jodie Bowles, 45)

(Featured Image: Carl Robertson)