Cardiff Metropolitan University continued their blistering start to the Welsh Premier Women’s League season with a 4-1 victory over Port Talbot Town.
In a competitive contest, the Archers were ultimately more clinical, as first half goals from Chloe O’Connor and Jodie Passmore gave the league-leaders a comfortable lead at the break.
Despite Courteney Thomas’ superb second half-volley, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, as Lauren Hutton-Townsend netted a double to secure another three points for the visitors.
The win continues the Archers’ 100% record so far this season, having picked up nine points from the opening three fixtures, averaging 4.3 goals per game.
It took just 26 seconds for the first chance of the game to occur, as Port Talbot’s Jessica Denscombe was found in space on the right, but fired over the bar.
Despite a lively start from the hosts, the Archers were clinical and took the lead in the eighth minute.
A rapid counter-attack started by Millie Pearce resulted in Chloe O’Connor finding space in the box to fire past Victoria Beddows and open the scoring.
The hosts responded well to falling behind and had shouts for a penalty when Laura Walkley went down under a challenge in the box, adjudged to be a fair tackle by referee David Morgan.
Port Talbot striker Courteney Thomas went close to an equaliser just minutes later, as the ball fell kindly to her in the box, only for her effort to be well claimed by Randall.
Kerry Harris’ side grew into the acendancy and created a number of chances to double their lead.
Steelmen goalkeeper Victoria Beddows made a string of fine saves, denying Lauren Hutton-Townsend and Amy Long, along with Nealy Martin’s powerful header.
The Archers weren’t to be denied however, as Jodie Passmore beat Beddows to the ball to fire Cardiff Met into a 2-0 lead at the break.
Much like the first half, Port Talbot created an early chance, with Terri Beddows firing over from close range following a corner.
It looked as though Chloe O’Connor was clean through to add a third for the visitors, but Nia Probert put in a fantastic last-ditch tackle to deny the Archers’ playmaker.
Hayley Williams’ side broke on the counter-attack and halved the deficit in the 56nd minute.
Port Talbot striker Courteney Thomas caught Estelle Randall off her line with a superb half-volley from the edge of the box to get the hosts on the board.
It took just two minutes for the Archers to restore their two-goal advantage however, as Lauren Hutton-Townsend was fouled on the edge of the box.
The winger stepped up to take the set-piece herself and fired a perfect effort past Victoria Beddows in the Port Talbot goal.
It was a competitive, end-to-end contest in the second half, but the Archers showed quality in their build-up play, as they added to their lead in the 73rd minute.
A fantastic pass by Amy Long put Lauren Hutton-Townsend through to round Beddows and fire her second of the game.
The scoreline could have been heavier, as Lucy Finch hit the woodwork from close range, along with substitute Kennesha Nanette’s wayward effort.
Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Victoria Beddows also made a string of saves to ensure that the resulting scoreline was 4-1.
The hosts will look to bounce back next week as they travel to Cardiff City, while the Archers face Abergavenny Women in their next fixture.
Port Talbot Town: Victoria Beddows, Laura Walkley, Chelsey Harris, Terri Beddows, Jessie Taylor, Courteney Thomas, Jessica Denscombe (Coryn Sexton 62’), Nia Probert, Maisie Miller, Lauren Amor, Jessica Hammett
Goals: Courteney Thomas 56’
Yellow Cards: Terri Beddows 10’, Laura Walkley 34’
Cardiff Metropolitan University: Estelle Randall, Ellenna Finneran, Nealy Martin, Stephanie Turner, Lucy Finch, Amy Long, Sophie Hancocks, Chloe O’Connor, Jodie Passmore (Emily Richards 83’), Lauren Hutton-Townsend (Kennesha Nanette 83’), Millie Pearce (Hannah Davies 85’)
Goals: Chloe O’Connor 8’, Jodie Passmore 41’, Lauren Hutton-Townsend 58’ 73’
Yellow Cards: Ellenna Finneran 28’, Lauren Hutton-Townsend 65’
Relive Cardiff Metropolitan University’s win over Port Talbot Town with our live blog below:
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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