Depleted Cardiff City to defend Women’s Cup after seeing off Cardiff Met

A brace from Rhianne Oakley helped Cardiff City reach the final of the FAW Cup, after a 2-0 win over Cardiff Met.

A goal either side of half time for the striker saw the Bluebirds over the line, in what was a relatively comfortable victory over the Archers.

The win means they will now play Briton Ferry in the final of the FAW Cup on April 23^rd.

In both league games this season, City have scored eight and conceded one, but in the early stages Met looked more than capable against their cross-city opponents.

For large swathes of the half chances were at a premium, City perhaps shading possession, but had nothing to show for their work.

Around the half hour mark, the Bluebirds began turning the screw. Eliza Collie the first to try her arm at goal, but Amelia Forkings’ strong arm denied the youngster a goal.

But they didn’t have to wait long for their next chance, and it resulted in a goal. Seren Watkins picked the ball up from a wide area and produced an impeccable cross into the box, allowing Rhianne Oakley to tap in and put Iain Darbyshire’s side ahead.

City would keep the ball well for the rest of the half, yet the Archers sent a warning shot on the stroke of half time, as Erin Murray hit the bar with a header, but the Bluebirds were ahead at the break.

Early signs in the second half were showing City wanted to double their lead as quick as possible.

Wing back Danielle Green almost did so with a stunning curling effort, only for her to be denied by the width of the post.

Green would play a pivotal part in City’s second five minutes after hitting the post. Her low driven delivery into the box found Oakley and once again, being that fox in the box, tapped in to double the lead.

The introduction of Elianna Chavez did provide the Archers attack with some more purpose and guile, but the Bluebirds defence stood resolute, they wanted to win and get a clean sheet.

And held on is what they did, as City keep their treble dreams alive and kicking.

Player of the Match: Rhianne Oakley

A solid day for the striker. Her two goals were well taken and throughout the game she hustled and harried the Met defence and she really worked hard for her side today

Cardiff Met

Amelia Forkings (GK), Sophie Davidson (Elianna Chavez, 61’), Amy Long, Grace Corne, Steph Turner (C), Sophie Hancocks, Emily Allen, Jess Westhoff, Robyn Pinder, Erin Murray, Ellie Preece

Unused Subs: Eve Pearson, Tiggi Webb, Lacey Hancock, Kennesha Nanette

Cardiff City

Ceryn Chamberlain (GK), Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh (C), Rhianne Oakley, Seren Watkins, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green, Zoe Atkins (Michaela Major, 85’), Mikayla Cook (Lisa Owen, 71’), Eliza Collie (Catherine Walsh, 76’)

Unused Subs: Alysha Hawkins, Summer Bowen-Quirk

Goals: Rhianne Oakley (31’, 61’)

Yellow Cards: Mikayla Cook (67’), Seren Watkins (79’)

After the game, Rhianne Oakley and Iain Darbyshire spoke to us about their win

Rhianne Oakley: “We sat down at the start of the season and set out our ambitions, and to get to two finals in a week is amazing.

“It’s always good to be in a final, no matter who the opposition is and we can’t wait to get going and play in that final.”

Iain Darbyshire: “We fully believe we can win every single match, we believe we’re the best team in the country, and we prove that week in and week out. Even when the chips are down, even when people take our players, we just keep battling and we have the best squad in the country.

“Briton Ferry will be a tough game. We’ve played them once already this year and they’re a resolute team. I know Rhys James well, he’s a good coach, we know a few of their players, and they should be proud of getting to the final, but we’re looking forward to it.”