Cardiff Metropolitan 0-0 Swansea City: Missed penalty means top-of-the-table clash ends goalless

Cardiff Met held Swansea City to a 0-0 draw, despite a controversial missed penalty for the visitors.

Swansea have drawn 0-0 for the second consecutive time, as well-organised Archers stay on top spot.

Chloe Chivers had a penalty saved in the first half, but Swansea were left outraged as the penalty was awarded despite the ball rippling the back of the net.

The Swans have a game in hand on Cardiff Met, and are separated by goal difference.

Swansea started on the front foot, with the first chance of the game falling to Katy Hosford. After being played through by Laura Davies, Hosford’s left footed shot hot the side netting.

There was controversy around the half hour mark, as a clash of heads in the Met box saw the referee point to the spot, although Shaunna Jenkins headed the ball into the back of the net as the referee blew his whistle. From the resulting penalty, Annabel Sweeney got down superbly to save in the bottom left corner.

Met were dealt a huge blow as in-form attacker Erin Murray was subbed with an injury, although replacement Elianna Chavez provided great intensity.

A free-kick attempt from Hosford smashed off the upright, and the Swans were unable to steer in the rebound.

Tija Richardson played fantastically in midfield, marking Chloe O’Connor tightly and nullifying the treat she poses.

Jenkins had a goal-bound volleyed attempt blocked.

Sweeney denied Chivers again, as the latter was played through on goal before the former produced an amazing save.

Hosford had another free-kick go close, this time saved.

Swansea goalkeeper Claire Skinner was yellow carded for handling outside the area, which gave Met a free-kick in a dangerous position. Lauren Hutton-Townsend stepped up, but her attempt was saved at relative ease.

Amy Long was denied a great goal from range due to an acrobatic save from Skinner in the closing moments.

Cardiff Met: Annabel Sweeney, Lucy Finch =, Hannah Mills, Stephanie Turner (C), Sophie Hancocks, Amy Long, Robyn Pinder, Chloe O’Connor, Erin Murray (Elianna Chavez 26’), Shannon Evans, Lauren Hutton-Townsend (Ellie Preece 85’).

Yellow cards-

Lucy Finch (40’), Chloe O’Connor (65’), Robyn Pinder (71’)

Swansea City: Claire Skinner, Alicia Powe (C), Shaunna Jenkins, Ellie Lake, Kelly Adams, Ria Hughes, Chloe Chivers (Chloe Tiley 90’), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis, Laura Davies, Tija Richardson.

Yellow cards-

Katy Hosford (45’), Laura Davies (55’), Ellie Lake (73’), Claire Skinner (77’)

Re-live the action from Cyncoed Campus here:

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)