Pontypridd end Cardiff City’s perfect start as Renee Day nets in stoppage time
Treforest, WALES - 6 November, 2022: Pontypridd United celebrate at full time. Pontypridd United v Cardiff City in the Genero Adran Premier at USW Sports Park on the 6th November 2022. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Pontypridd United ended Cardiff City’s perfect league record as they scored a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 at the USW Sport Park.
Megan Bowen’s long-distance shot from 30-yards which cannoned off of the crossbar gave the Bluebirds a first-half lead but they could not hold on. In the 93rd minute, Renee Day powered bustled her header home in a crowded penalty to give Ponty their first draw of the campaign.
Ffion Price on three occasions tried to chip Maisie Jones but the Ponty keeper was untroubled by the Cardiff full-back. Price did force Jones in to action with a driven free-kick in a first-half dominated by the visitors. Siobhan Walsh also went close for the away side but her swiped effort was saved.
Cardiff’s goal came in fine fashion as Pontypridd failed to clear their lines and Bowen let fly from long-range with it bouncing off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line.
City’s dominance continued in the second-half but the introduction of Olivia Francis injected life in to the Pontypridd attack. Hollie Smith was unlucky not to score when her header bounced back and away from Price’s corner-kick.
Wales Under-17 international Francis’s rmazy run nearly resulted in an equaliser but her shot skimmed past the post from the onrushing Ceryn Chamberlain.
Ex-Cardiff player Emily Bayliss nearly struck against her former club as her laced shot from outside the box hit the bar after good work from Francis.
After thwarting Cardiff’s counter-attacks, Pontypridd had their rewards as Brooke Evans – formerly of Cardiff – forced a corner-kick from her swept effort. Pontypridd piled the box and Day rose highest to head home, sparking jubilant scenes.
Cardiff remain unbeaten and are three points clear of second-placed Cardiff Met, who drew 1-1 with title rivals Swansea City at Cyncoed Campus. Pontypridd meanwhile hold on to their place in the top half and are a point ahead of The New Saints and Barry Town.
Pontypridd United manager James Fishlock said: “A very good performance against a very strong Cardiff City side tonight from the entire group. It was a big day for the whole football club with our doubleheader. I hope those who stayed enjoyed what the girls delivered today.”
Pontypridd United: Maisie Jones, Shannon Greenway, Clare Daley, Holly Broad, Emily Bayliss, Ellie Gunney, Kirstie Pervin-Davies (Anais Trinci, 66), Efa Jones (Olivia Francis, 50), Alison Witts, Carys Bufton, Jasmine Turner (Renee Day, 66)
Goals: Renee Day 90+3
Cardiff City: Ceryn Chamberlain, Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh (C), Rhianne Oakley, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green, Phoebie Poole, Megan Bowen, Hollie Smith, Lily Billingham (Seren Watkins, 69).
Yellow Cards: Lily Billingham 63′
Goals: Megan Bowen 40′
Substitutes: Emily Roberts, Seren Watkins, Evie Hughes, Michaela Major, and Eliza Collie.
