Cardiff City 1-6 Swansea City: Super six Swans top League Cup group

Swansea City topped their League Cup group as they hit South Wales rivals Cardiff City for six at Ocean Park Arena.

Three goals in either half helped Colin Staples’ side to a convincing victory.

The Swans had to wait until almost the half-hour to score but then the goals came. Ria Hughes first netted before two goals in two minutes from Stacy John-Davis and Tija Richardson.

Stand-in skipper Emma Beynon then scored a brace in the second-half before a sublime strike from Katy Hosford to make for a perfect evening.

Danielle Green did score a consolation goal for the Bluebirds but ultimately it was a comfortable victory for the league leaders.

The match was tight in the early goings as both sides looked to gain control. Cardiff matched their visitors and were almost in on goal early on when Cerys Pinchard pass almost spit the Swansea defence open.

There was action at both ends of the pitch as Stacy John-Davis’ driving run into the box almost allowed her an opportunity to shot but Cardiff defended well.

Eventually, the rearguard was of the home defence was broken down as Swansea took the lead. A chipped effort from Ria Hughes from outside the box sent the ball over goalkeeper Charlotte Hastings.

The opening goal gave Swansea the edge as they pushed for a second. Jessica Williams saw her free-kick go over the bar and John-Davis was almost in on goal but for a big tackle from Siobhan Walsh.

They didn’t let up for their second opportunity as they added to their tally. Prolific goalscorer John-Davis scored with a fine finish from inside the box.

Not content with just two, Swansea City added a quick-fire third as Tija Richardson scored. Katy Hosford sent in a pinpoint accurate cross from a free-kick which Richardson rose to met and directed the ball into the goal.

Cardiff tried to reduce the deficit towards the end of the first-half but Cerys Pinchard could only direct her header straight at Claire Skinner.

At the break, youngster Mikayla Cook was introduced by Cardiff as she replaced the experienced Zoe Atkins. Cook in her first action however conceded a penalty after a foul in the box. Beynon stepped forward for the Swans and duly delivered as she lifted her spot-kick over Hastings.

In search of more goals, Ellie Lake caused some problems for the Cardiff defence but her cross wasn’t met by a teammate. She did carve her own opportunity but as she cut inside to pull the trigger, Siobhan Walsh made a good tackle.

In what was a difficult evening for Cardiff, they almost earned themselves a goal but for a goal-line clearance. Catherine Walsh found the creative Cerys Pinchard but her low shot was cleared off the line by Lake before Skinner collected the effort.

Swansea instead further added to their lead as Beynon earned her second. John-Davis worked the ball well to the byline before sending the ball to her captain to poke the ball home.

Cardiff did have their consolation goal as Danielle Green’s shot from outside of the box landed into the top corner of the net.

Colin Staples’ side were relentless however as they ensured a five-goal margin of victory with a sixth goal. Katy Hosford scored the best goal of the evening as she carried the ball before thundering her strike off the post. 

Cardiff City: Charlotte Hastings, Lisa Owen (Ffion Price, 62), Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (C) (Ellie Jones, 77), Kanisha Underdown (Sophie Norman, 62), Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green, Jasmine Simpson (Charley Hocking, 86), Catherine Walsh, Zoe Atkins (MIkayla Cook, 46), 

Cerys Pinchard. 

Goals: Danielle Green 82’

Yellow Cards: Lisa Owen 58′

Swansea City: Claire Skinner, Shaunna Jenkins (Chloe Chivers, 51), Ellie Lake, Emma Beynon (C), Kelly Adams, Ria Hughes (Melissa Sartain 87), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis, Laura Davies (Nieve Jenkins, 77), Tija Richardson, Jessica Williams. 

Goals: Ria Hughes 28, Stacey John-Davis 36, Tija Richardson 39, Emma Beynon 47, 73, Katy Hosford 87’

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)