Barry Town United 0-2 Cardiff City: Atkins and Walsh goals secure points for Bluebirds
Two second half goals give the Bluebirds the win over Barry Town United at Jenner Park. Cardiff City pick up the win after a tough game against The Linnets.
Zoe Atkins got Cardiff’s first early in the second half after a goalless first half. Catherine Walsh made it two on the hour with Ffion Price picking up two assists.
Cardiff had the better chances in the first half but Barry looked dangerous on the break utilising quick counter attacks. The host pressed and put the visitors under pressure from early on. Barry’s pressing stopped Cardiff from passing the ball and forced them into errors. Cardiff had the chance to take the lead when their were given a penalty. Catherine Walsh however could only find the post and the game remained 0-0. Barry lost captain Lauren Harris and Pam Pelders to injuries during the first half but did have the ball in the net. Mackenzie Olden’s goal ruled out for offside.
In the second half Barry dropped a little deeper and Cardiff control much of the half. Scoring twice within the first 15 minutes Cardiff also forced Chelsea Herbert to make several saves. Barry had chances on the counter but Cardiff were able to see the game out.
Barry remain in sixth place three points behind fifth placed Aberystwyth. Cardiff remain in third three points off leaders Cardiff Met.
Cardiff had an early chance as Megan Saunders took aim form the edge of the box. Her shot lacked any real power and was easy for Chelsea Herbert.
Siobhan Walsh played a long pass down the right finding Danielle Green in space. Green cut inside a put in a low cross but only found the side netting.
Barry’s quick counter attacks were a problem for Cardiff as a ball over the top found Mackenzie Olden. Olden had a shot which was saved by Ceryn Chamberlain but the flag was up for offside.
Saunders picked up the ball and made a ran into the box where she was fouled. The referee gave the visitors a penalty. Catherine Walsh stepped up and fired the ball to left only to see it come back oof the post.
Barry had to make two changes before the break as Lauren Harris went own after a tackle from Danielle Broadhurst and Pam Pelders caught a boot to the head.
Mackenzie Olden was looking Barry’s best chance of breaking the deadlock. Her curling shot just before half time forced Chamberlain to push over.
Soon after Olden did find the net as she got the ball in the box going round the Cardiff keeper to score. The flag however was up and the goal would not stand.
Half Time: Barry Town United 0-0 Cardiff City
Cardiff had the first chance of the second half as Green forced a save from Herbert. After getting into the box Green put in a low shot which was well saved.
Barry almost caught Cardiff on the break from a City corner. Getting the ball to Olden she was able to get behind the defence but Lisa Owen did well to get back and clear.
Cardiff stepped up the pressure and soon had their reward. Price finding Zoe Atkins in space in the box and Atkins hitting a low effort into the net.
Taite Trivett could have levelled but her shot flashed just past the post. Mannon Pearce saw her long range effort saved.
After a period of pressure where Cardiff had several corners they got the second. Ffion Price find the head of Catherine Walsh in the six yard box. With a flick of the head the ball went in the net.
With a two goal lead Cardiff never looked like slipping up. Lily Billingham saw her shot hit the side netting after good work to get inside the box from the Cardiff youngster.
Taite Trivett had a chance late on to pull a goal back but her powerful low shot was saved by Chamberlain.
Full Time: Barry Town United 0-2 Cardiff City
Barry Town United: Chelsea Herbert (G), Faith Mulenga, Holly Jenkins, Delia Ebbin, Pam Pelders (Hazel Lockwood 41), Megan Bowen, Grace O-Reilly, Anna Houghton, Mackenzie Olden, Mannon Pearce, Lauren Harris (C) (Taite Trivett 33).
Yellow Cards: Mackenzie Olden 21, Lauren Harris 26.
Cardiff City: Ceryn Chamberlain (G), Lisa Owen, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (C), Ffion Price, Zoe Atkins, Catherine Walsh, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green (Michaela Major 80), Lily Billingham (Amy Williams 72), Megan Saunders (Eliza Collie 79).
Goals: Zoe Atkins 51, Catherin Walsh 60
Missed Penalty: Catherine Walsh 27,
