Port Talbot 1-5 Cardiff City: Simpson shines as Bluebirds stroll to a convincing win

Cardiff City bounced back in perfect style as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over Port Talbot Town in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.

A sublime second-half performance from the Bluebirds saw starlets late braces from Jasmine Simpson and Phoebie Poole. 

The pair added to Catherine Walsh’s first-half equaliser after the capital side had initially fallen behind to Lauren Amor’s penalty. 

The victory for Iain Darbyshire’s side sees them move up to fourth as they overtake today’s opponents. 

Cardiff City dominated the opening quarter of the match with Danielle Green and Lisa Owen finding joy down the flanks.

Despite their pressure, it was the hosts that opened the scoring, as they were presented with a chance from the spot with 15 minutes gone.

Laura-May Walkley pounced on a defensive mix-up from Cardiff and her first shot was saved by Charlotte Hastings, but she was taken out in the aftermath.

Lauren Amor stepped up and placed her penalty down the middle to give the Steelwomen the lead.

Following the goal, Port Talbot got a grip on the game, leading to an end to end encounter.

The Bluebirds struck level just before halftime. Simpson broke in behind, instead of shooting she laid it off to Catherine Walsh who was in support for an easy finish.

The second half ended the same way the first did with end to end football.

Having provided the first, Simpson scored the second with an excellent finish from the edge of the box to put her side ahead.

Port Talbot almost drew level a few minutes later but Bethan Lloyd’s free-kick cannoned off the post.

Cardiff extended their lead in the latter stages of the match through substitute Poole, who had entered the field just ten minutes previously.

They added another a minute later, Simpson getting her second of the afternoon with a fantastic finish from outside the area as she dinked Victoria Beddows.

Cardiff wrapped up a five-star performance three minutes from time when Poole smashed home her second of the afternoon with a strike from close range.

Port Talbot Town: Victoria Beddows, Laura-May Walkley, Bethan Lloyd (Coryn Sexton, 70), Chelsey Harris (c), Jesci Hare (Jess Denscombe, 74), Terri Beddows, Jessie Taylor, Jess Hammett, Lauren Amor (Courteney Thomas, 60), Nia Probert, Maisie Miller.

Goals: Lauren Amor p 17′

Yellow Cards Terri Beddows 51’

Cardiff City: Charlotte Hastings, Lisa Owen, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (c), Kanisha Underdown, Danielle Broadhurst (Brooke Evans), Danielle Green (Phoebie Poole, 71), Jasmine Simpson, Ellie Jones (Sophie Norman 45), Catherine Walsh, Zoe Atkins

Goals: Cathrine Walsh 40’, Jasmine Simpson 60’, 82’ Phoebie Poole 81’, 87’

See how Cardiff City convincingly beat Port Talbot Town here:

(Featured Image: Mike Greenslade Photography)