Cardiff City sent out a statement win as they swept aside Adran Premier title rivals Cardiff Met 3-1 at Leckwith Stadium.
Danielle Broadhurst added to Rhianne Oakley’s first-half brace in what was a dominant display from the Bluebirds. Erin Murray netted a goal against her former club which acted as a consolation.
Iain Darbyshire’s side have now opened a five-point gap over second-placed Swansea City, whilst Met trail by six points in third. They have now recorded seven wins from their opening eight matches and have conceded just three goals this season with 20 goals scored.
The hosts faced an early wave of attacks from the Archers. Elianna Chavez cut through the City defence but Ellie Preece was denied in a one-on-one. Preece set up Robyn Pinder on the rebound but was denied.
Cardiff benefitted from surviving pressure and went in front. Lily Billingham slid in Oakley and she drove her shot into the left-hand corner.
Captain Siobhan Walsh put her body on the line to deny Preece who was in a tight position. City then searched for a second goal and went near as Oakley headed at goal from a Billingham cross which Amelia Forkings flapped away the effort.
Ceryn Chamberlain was forced in to action as Emily Allen hit an outside-of-the-foot shot at goal but the goalkeeper had it covered. From defence to attack, Danielle Green had a shot saved after being found by Phoebie Poole.
Cardiff eventually got their second goal as Seren Watkins delivered a corner-kick into the box and Oakley headed home in a crowded penalty box.
Early in the second half, Broadhurst inflicted further damage on former City goalkeeper Forkings. She was able to sneak her strike from six yards out past the shot-stopper to end the contest.
Met pulled one back to try and set up a grandstand position. A lofted ball from Robyn Pinder caused problems with Chamberlain colliding with Preece. Murray stepped forward and powered home her effort.
Cardiff City: Ceryn Chamberlain, Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh, Rhianne Oakley (Eliza Collie, 84), Seren Watkins, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green, Phoebie Poole (Zoe Atkins, 64), Hollie Smith, and Lily Billingham.
Goals: Rhianne Oakley 10, 45, Danielle Broadhurst 50’
Cardiff Met: Amelia Forkings, Sophie Davidson (Shannon Evans, 56), Jessica Westhoff, Tija Richardson, Stephanie Turner (C), Sophie Hancocks, Emily Allen, Elianna Chavez, Robyn Pinder, Erin Murray, and Ellie Preece.
Goals: Erin Murray p 70′
Yellow Cards: Robyn Pinder 73′
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