Cardiff City 0-4 Abergavenny Women: Pennies put Bluebirds to sword in sublime display

Abergavenny maintained their 100% start to the season by demolishing Cardiff City 4-0 at Leckwith Stadium.

Two penalties in either half from Mali Summers, coupled with goals from Amy Thrupp and Lyndsey Davies secured a convincing victory for the Pennies.

Cardiff City also had Ffion Price sent off in a miserable afternoon for the Bluebirds.

The result sees Craig Morgan-Hill’s side stay in third-place however they have played a game less than Cardiff City and Swansea City.

Ian Darbyshire’s side meanwhile dropped down a place after being overtaken by Port Talbot Town Ladies.

An early chance provided itself to the visitors as Lyndsey Davies broke through however Charlotte Hastings rushed out to deny her former teammate. 

Cardiff then had a chance as starlet Phoebie Poole had time to shoot but her attempt was blocked.

Poole’s chance was later followed up by Siobhan Walsh whose free-kick went over the bar.

Despite Cardiff’s early opportunities it was Abergavenny who broke the deadlock as Thrupp struck first. The Pennies midfielder thumped home her effort past Hastings to give the visitors the lead.

In search of an equaliser, Walsh hit another free-kick over the bar, however this one was closer to the target.

Thrupp inspired by her goal almost found another as she cut inside the box but unfortunately hit the side netting.

A foul in the box just before the break provided an opportunity for Abergavenny to double their advantage. Summers duly delivered as she slotted her spot-kick past Hastings who dived the wrong way.

Early in the second-half, Cardiff sought a response and had opportunities through Poole and Sophie Norman, however the latter free-kick was sent straight into the wall. 

Abergavenny instead further increased their lead, again from the spot-kick. Ffion Price committed a foul in the box and was sent off for the challenge. 

Summers, who remained on the pitch, drilled her second penalty of the game, as she moved up to second in the top scorers’ charts. 

Late on the game got even better for Abergavenny as they added a fourth in the afternoon. A sweet passing movement was finished off by Davies who dinked her effort over the advancing Hastings. 

Cardiff City: Charlotte Hastings, Lisa Owen, Ffion Price, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh, Sophie Norman (Kanisha Underdown, 60), Danielle Green, Phoebie Poole, Catherine Walsh (Jessica Simpson, 73), Zoe Atkins (Danielle Broadhurst, 68), Cerys Pinchard.

Yellow Crds: Sophie Norman 24, Charlotte Hastings 63, 

Red Cards: Ffion Price 70’

Abergavenny Women: Zara Mujica-Pernalete, Megan Jones, Lauren Boyd, Mali Summers, Jessica Bennett, Olivia Barnes (Elena Scrivens 82), Ffion David (Sian Bull, 79), Ceri Hudson (C), Lyndsey Davies, Amy Thrupp, Eliza Atkins (Lauren Daniels, 80)

Goals: Amy Thrupp 23, Mali Summers p 45, p 69, Lyndsey Davies 80

Yellow Cards: Jessica Bennett 70, Lauren Boyd 74’

Abergavenny Women manager Craig Morgan-Hill said: “The biggest highlight of my managerial career today. 

“The girls were fantastic. We dominated, pressed like absolute warriors and gave everything. I’m so proud of them.”

Recap the match by reading through our live blog below:

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)