Cardiff City stretched their unbeaten league record to 33 games, thanks to a 3-0 win against Wrexham at Cardiff City Stadium.
A first half brace from Eliza Collie along with a late goal from Tija Richardson sealed a professional and comfortable victory for the Bluebirds.
The result means Cardiff stay top of the table, six points clear of second placed Swansea City. Wrexham stay third and are now eleven points off the table topping Bluebirds.
Cardiff City elected to make no changes from last weekend’s win away to TNS.
Steve Dale made two changes from last week’s win at home to Barry Town. Charlotte Bolland and Phoebe Davies came in for Del Morgan and Libby Mackenzie.
From the off the Bluebirds were eager to pressurise their opponents and were finding opportunities early; Eliza Collie’s shot deflecting past the post an early warning.
But Wrexham didn’t heed to the warnings and found themselves behind in rather calamitous circumstances. Siobhan Walsh’s through ball caused a miscommunication between Charlotte Bolland and Katie Sharp, allowing the lurking Collie to chip into an empty net.
The blue tidal wave never stopped thrashing against the red brick wall, and Bolland had to be alert to tip two efforts onto the bar: one from Molly Kehoe, and one from Seren Watkins.
Despite keeping the deficit down to one for a while, there was nothing Bolland could do for the second goal. A Ffion Price cross from deep found its way onto the foot of Kehoe, who brought out a save from the keeper. Her palm away, however, wasn’t strong enough, and sneaking in at the far stick unmarked was Collie, who swept home her second of the game.
Wrexham struggled to test the City defence. They were often second to the ball and looked unable to match the intensity of the reigning champions, and at the break, Steve Dale’s side had work to do.
The Red Dragons were much improved in the second half, limiting the Bluebirds to no chances. The only problem was, Wrexham weren’t creating anything of note either. Even with the introduction of Rosie Hughes, the North Walians struggled to create anything in front of goal.
Truth be told, the second half almost went by without incident, but Cardiff began to muster up some more chances before the game ended.
Kehoe once again went close, as Bolland made a rash decision to come out of her goal, but the forward couldn’t hit the back of an empty net.
It need not matter in the end, as City put the cherry on top of the cake with ten minutes to go as two substitutes combined. Mikayla Cook’s cross was met by the outstretched leg of Tija Richardson, who wheeled away in joyful celebration. A perfect way to wrap up a good win for the league leaders.
Cardiff City will next be in action on Sunday at home to Pontypridd United. Wrexham’s next game will be on Wednesday night, as they travel to take on TNS.
Player of the Match: Emma Beynon
What impressed me the most about the home side was their ability to dominate the midfield, and I thought Beynon did a marvellous job. She was always able to get to the second ball first, able to move the ball and dictate the tempo, and also managed to notch up an assist.
Cardiff City
Ceryn Chamberlain (Anna Phelps 83’), Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh ©, Meg Bowen (Kerry Walklett 82’), Seren Watkins (Tija Richardson 73’), Kelly Adams, Molly Kehoe, Hollie Smith (Mikayla Cook 63’), Emma Beynon, Eliza Collie (Olivia Basham 73’)
Goals: Eliza Collie (7’, 34’), Tija Richardson (80’)
Wrexham
Charlotte Boland, Phoebe Davies, Rebecca Pritchard (Rosie Hughes 60’), TJ Dickens, Amber Lightfoot, Carra Jones, Katie Sharp (Erin Lovett 80’), Ava Suckley (Lily Whitefoot 74’), Lili Jones (Libby Mackenzie 74’), Keren Allen ©, Mari Gibbard
Unused Subs: Chloe Ankers
Yellows: Rebecca Pritchard (13’), Phoebe Davies (26’)
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