Cardiff City seal maiden double after beating Briton Ferry
MERTHYR, WALES - 23rd APRIL 2023: 2022/23 FAW Women's Cup Final between Cardiff City & Briton Ferry Llansawel at Penydarren Park. (Credit: Perry Dobbins)
Cardiff City retained their FAW Cup crown with a 4-0 win over Adran South side Briton Ferry.
First half goals from Eliza Collie, Catherine Walsh and Ffion Price had Cardiff in a comfortable position heading into the break. Ferry responded well in the second half, but Rhianne Oakley’s goal late in the second half sealed City’s first ever double.
The first 20 minutes was perhaps more even than most would have anticipated. Although City controlled more of the possession and created more, Ferry possessed speed up front to be able to get in behind the Bluebirds back line.
However, in a whirlwind two-minute period, Cardiff had turned the game on its head. Eliza Collie managed to break the line and go one-on-one with Courtney Young. The youngster held her own and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
After finishing celebrating the first goal, the Bluebirds faithful were back on their feet once again applauding their second goal. Meg Bowen’s cross was flicked on by Danielle Broadhurst and into the path of Catherine Walsh, who cushioned a volley into the back of the net.
After the goals, the game reverted back to a quiet affair with the Bluebirds yet again dominating the possession stats. As much as Ferry tried to counter, the defensive awareness of the City defence was top drawer.
As City tried to extend their lead further, Young was keeping her side in it. Two spectacular saves in the space of 30 seconds drawing admiration and praise from the travelling Ferry fans.
As Rhys James’ side attempted to hold on until half time, they were dealt a sucker punch four minutes before the break. Ffion Price’s corner looked to take a deflection or two in the box, before finding its way in at the near post. Cardiff were looking comfortable at the break.
The second half started much like the first, with City dominating, but Ferry did produce their first real opportunity early on. Alice Broadley found her way in behind, but Price tracked back excellently and dispossessed her at the crucial moment.
After that, Ferry were on the back foot once more. Lowri Ridings gave the ball away with a slack pass, allowing Collie to race through, but Young stuck out a strong arm to deny her. The Ferry captain clearly thankful to her keeper for saving her blushes.
Apart from Ridings’ near gaff, much of the second half was quiet; Cardiff happy to sit back, while Ferry couldn’t breach the Bluebirds defence.
Instead, in the dying embers of the game, it was City who found a fourth. Mikayla Cook played a wicked cross into the box, and Rhianne Oakley was there top tap home, as City retained their crown.
Player of the Match: Ffion Price
Another fantastic display again from the flying full-back. Her deliveries as ever were pinpoint and her tireless work rate certainly helped her side to victory.
Cardiff City
Ceryn Chamberlain (GK), Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh ©, Catherine Walsh, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green (Mikayla Cook, 78’), Meg Bowen (Lisa Owen, 69’), Manon Pearce, Zoe Atkins (Rhianne Oakley, 58’), Eliza Collie (Phoebie Poole, 58’)
Unused Subs: Alysha Hawkings
Goals: Eliza Collie (22’), Catherine Walsh (24’), Ffion Price (41’), Rhianne Oakley (90’)
Briton Ferry
Courtney Young, Alice Broadley (Jess Denscombe, 78’), Fleur Jenkins, Brooke Llewellyn, Lowri Ridings ©, Mollie Jones (Manon Thomas, 78’), Meg Kearle, Chelsea Deacon (Ela Roberts, 54’), Ella Smitham (Lowri Baker, 62’), Alexsie Clayton, Georgia Howells (Lucy Powell, 54’)
