Cardiff City Women 9-1 Caldicot Town Ladies: Bluebirds hit Caldicot for nine in Welsh Cup
Cardiff City secured their passage to the next round of the FAW Women’s Cup as they comfortably beat Caldicot Town 9-1.
Megan Saunders opening the scoring after just six minutes for the Bluebirds. Danielle Green struck twice before the 25 minute mark and Catherine Walsh added a fourth just after half an hour. Green then competed a first half hat trick on 36 minutes to give the host a 5-0 lead at the break. Ffion Price scored after 51 minutes and 54 minutes Lisa Owen scored from the spot. Lily Billingham made it eight with a wonder strike. Lucy McDonough got a consolation for Caldicot Town on 74 minutes but Eliza Collie added a ninth for the Bluebirds.
Caldicot had a bright start catching Cardiff on the counter in the early moments of the game. Cardiff soon settled and moved the ball around quickly stretching the Caldicot team. The host were dominant for the majority of the game and looked to attack at every opportunity. Caldicot were left chasing and tried to catch Cardiff on the break. The City defence holding strong and Zara Mujica’s goal rarely threatened. As the game wore on City were still looking for more goals and Caldicot kept battling until the final whistle.
The result see’s Cardiff safely though to the next round of the Welsh Cup while Caldicot go out.
Caldicot had a quick start with a counter attack that saw Lucy McDonough and Annie Redding link up looking to get into the box but Cardiff were able to clear.
Soon after Caldicot had a free kick which Molly Williams struck seeing her effort blocked before the follow up shot was sent wide.
Cardiff soon settled and took the lead after six minutes. Megan Saunders was able to get inside the box in space. Though on goal with just keeper Alisha Young, Saunders rolled the ball with her right foot into the far corner.
Cardiff kept on the pressure and soon Young was called into action to save from Sophie Norman’s shot and then tip her cross that was heading in the goal over the bar.
Lily Billingham broke though the defence and switched the ball to Eliza Collie who’s effort came off the bar. As the ball dropped in the six yard box Danielle Green was first there to put in the rebound.
Caldicot had a good chance to get a goal back when Cardiff keeper Zara Mujica came out of the area to make a clearance. The City keeper stayed down but Caldicot kept playing and forced City to clear an effort from the line.
On 25 minutes the hosts made it three, Megan Saunders with a cross to the back post. Danielle Green in the right place again to head in from close range.
Lily Billingham was causing Caldicot all sorts of problems. She hit a shot from the edge of the area but it was too close to Young who made the save.
On the half hour Cardiff went five up as Catherine Walsh chipped the ball over Young after Billingham found her in space with a lovely ball.
Green then finished off her hat trick saving the best till last. Green picked up the ball just inside the area. She then cut inside and sent a curling shot into the top corner on 36 minutes
Half Time; Cardiff City 5-0 Caldicot Town
Keeper Alisha Young came off at half time being replaced by Ashley Harris. Sarah Sprintall went in goals for the second half. Cardiff also made a chance at the break replacing Green with Michaela Major.
Billingham won a free kick on 51 minutes, as she was fouled making a run down the right by Kelly Watkins. Sophie Norman sent the free kick to the far post where Ffion Price was to head in on the line.
Cardiff were relentless as they kept attacking looking for more goals. Lisa Owen made a run into the box and was almost though on goal before she was fouled winning a penalty. Owen took the spot kick her self firing the ball into the net on 54 minutes.
On the hour mark came the goal of the game from the star of the match. Lily Billingham picked the ball up 30 yards out and let fire with a screamer of shot into the top corner.
On 74 minutes Caldicot got themselves a goal. Annie Redding with a lob over Mujica who got a hand to it. The ball crept towards the line and the keeper looked to have it. However McDonough was able to poke it in on the line.
Cardiff were able to add one more after 77 minutes when Major’s ball across the box found Eliza Collie who was able tap in.
Full Time; Cardiff City 9-1 Caldicot Town
Cardiff City: Zara Mujica (G), Lisa Owen (Charlie Hocking 62), Ffion Price, Sophie Norman, Amy Williams, Zoe Atkins, Catherine Walsh, Lily Billingham, Danielle Green (Michaela Major 46), Megan Saunders (Indie Morgan 62), Eliza Collie.
Goals: Megan Saunders 6, Danielle Green 18,25,36, Catherine Walsh 31, Ffion Price 51, Lisa Owen 54 Pen, Lily Billingham 60, Eliza Collie 77
Caldicot Town: Alisha Young (G) (Ashley Harris 46) , Molly Williams, Molly O’Brien, Chole Williams (Ellie Harris 89), Sarah Sprintall, Rianne Jones (Kaja Piotrowska 66), Lara Gait, Lucy McDonough, Kelly Watkins, Annie Redding, Sophie Ford.
Goals: Lucy McDonough 74.
(Featured Image: Mike James)