Cascade Ladies 0-5 Cardiff Metropolitan: Five-star Archers begin defence of Cup with win

Cardiff Metropolitan’s comfortable performance emphatically puts them in the hat for the next round.

Early goals from Nealy Martin and Chloe O’Connor were followed by goals from Erin Murray, Jodie Passmore and Shannon Evans meaning the Archers began their cup-defence in style.  

Kerry Harris’ side repeat their scoreline from a fortnight ago where they defeated Sam Daniels’ side 5-0 at Cyncoed Campus.

Chloe O’Connor, who scored a hat-trick in the earlier fixture was impressive again.

The first chance of the game fell to Kennesha Nanette who was played through in the first 30 seconds. Her shot from inside the box was saved by Hollie Williams to prevent the hosts from early embarrassment.

Cardiff Metropolitan showcased their ability from set-pieces when just a minute later, the Archers made up for their missed opportunity when Nealy Martin converted with her head off a corner.

The lead was doubled in the fifth minute with another header from a set-piece; this time it was Chloe O’Connor who scored with an attempt which lofted over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Cascade reacted positively to the second goal and began to up their intensity and had lengthier spells of possession.

Amy Long was next to come close for Met when her volley from the edge of the box went narrowly over the crossbar in the 15^th minute.

Goal-scorer O’Connor was at the heart of the visitors’ attacks during the first-half as her dribbling ability and intricate passing allowed her to create multiple chances.

Martin almost doubled her tally in the 26^th minute when her shot from inside the box was destined for the bottom corner but Cascade goalkeeper Williams did exceptionally well to save.

The Students’ quality was on show towards the end of the first half as they controlled possession whilst continuing to look dangerous in and around the area.

Long had another chance just after the half but her shot from the edge of the box was saved comfortably by Hollie Williams.

Cascade’s spirits lifted around the hour mark as their increased intensity allowed them to create a few half-chances, although they were unlucky with the final ball.

Behind the hosts’ resurgence was Lana Cooper whose composure on the ball helped her team keep hold of possession.

Martin was denied again in the 68^th minute when her header from a corner was cleared off the line.

Cardiff Metropolitan increased their advantage two minutes later when Erin Murray scored after being played through by O’Connor.

O’Connor almost got her second in the 77^th minute but was denied by an incredible Hollie Williams save.

Jodie Passmore converted from the spot in the dying moments to give the visitors a four-goal cushion.

Shannon Evans scored with the last touch of the game with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Cascade Ladies: Hollie Williams, Casey Thomas, Charlotte Palmer, Celsey Williams (Franchescha Gipin 74’), Holly Hughes, Chrystalla Moreton, Lana Cooper, Daisy Evan-Watkins, Annaliese Lewis (C), Abbie Davies (Jasmin Davies-Harris 45’), Jodie Bowles (Mia Kemp 64’).

Cardiff Metropolitan University: Estelle Randall (Charlotte Smith 56’), Ellena Finneran, Nealy Martin, Stephanie Turner (C), Amy Long (Erin Murray 48’), Sophie Hancocks, Millie Pearce (Shannon Evans 61’), Chloe O’Connor, Jodie Passmore, Lucy Finch, Kennesha Nanette. 

Goals: Nealy Martin (2’), Chloe O’Connor (5’), Erin Murray (71’), Jodie Passmore 84, Shannon Evans (90’).

This is how the game played out at Recreation Ground:

(Featured Image: Carl Robertson)