Cardiff put Adran Prem on notice as they down Swans
Cardiff City downed fierce rivals Swansea City 2-0 as they remained top of the Adran Premier.
Two first half goals from Pheobie Poole was enough to get Cardiff over the line, as they put in a very professional display against a pretty toothless Swansea.
The results sees Cardiff retain first position, while the Swans drop down to fourth.
Straight from the first whistle Swansea were attacking, looking for width through Stacey John-Davies and Chloe Tiley.
In the second minute, a defensive error from Cardiff allowed Katy Hosford to race through. Cardiff keeper Ceryn Chamberlain made the decision to rush out and try and get the ball, but fouled Hosford in the process. Tackles like that have certainly seen a red card before, but the referee elected to show a yellow on this occasion.
The opening ten minutes were dominated by the Swans, but Cardiff grew into the game, and they pushed themselves up the field during the first half.
They were rewarded for their pressure in the 23rd minute. Ffion Price, who had been putting in good deliveries from corners throughout the half, found herself in space and put in a delicious cross onto the head of Phoebie Poole. The striker had the easiest of tasks of guiding her header past Claire Skinner, to put Cardiff 1-0 up.
The Bluebirds attempted to turn the screw and their period of dominance continued, with Swansea not able to do anything to stop it.
Rhianne Oakley, who had been a menace down the wing during the first half, again went on a mazy run down the wing. She played it to Danielle Green, whose tame effort was fumbled by Skinner, allowing Poole to tap in from close range to double the lead seven minutes from time.
There was then a chance for each side to score, but the woodwork denied them both. First from Poole for Cardiff, and then Hollie Smith hit her own post on the stroke of half time.
The Swans players looked like they could lose their heads at stages during the first half, and half time came at the right time for them, but they needed to compose themselves ahead of the second period.
The second half was a far quieter affair. Cardiff happily sitting back allowing Swansea to press, but that press was not forthcoming.
The Swans did have shots on target, but both hit the crossbar. The first from Hosford and the second from Shaunna Jenkins. As time went on, it certainly seemed the game was running away from the visitors.
And ran away it did, as Cardiff got the victory that their performance deserved and sent a statement to the rest of the league.
Next weekend, Cardiff travel to the seaside to take on Barry Town United, while Swansea will welcome Pontypridd United.
Player of the Match: Phoebie Poole
Poole was marvellous today. Not only chipping in with two very well taken goals, but her movement pulled the Swansea defence all over the pitch, allowing space for others to run in.
Cardiff City
Ceryn Chamberlain (GK), Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh ©, Rhianne Oakley (Meg Saunders, 84’), Seren Watkins, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green (Evie Hughes, 90’), Phoebie Poole, Hollie Smith, Lily Billingham (Zoe Atkins, 73’)
Unused Subs: Emily Roberts (GK), Meg Bowen
Goals: Phoebie Poole (24’, 38’)
Yellow Cards: Ceryn Chamberlain (2’)
Swansea City
Claire Skinner (GK), Alicia Powe (C) (Shaunna Jenkins, 76’), Ellie Lake, Emma Beynon, Kelly Adams, Nieve Jenkins, Katy Hosford, Stacey-John Davies (Nia Rees, 60’), Chloe Tiley (Monet Legall, 76’), Laura Davies (Gwen Horgan, 67’), Jessica Williams
Unused Sub: Chelsea Herbert (GK)
