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1st March 2000

News Report

Cardiff Gun Down Arsenal

(25th Feb 2009 02:52 PM)
Article by: Zoe Mendham

Cardiff City Ladies Reserves arrived in London not knowing that this was to be a memorable 1-0 victory over the previously undefeated, and top of the table Arsenal. They were already on a high, having gained maximum points from their last two games against both Millwall Lionnesses and Fulham Ladies. The following report is from a very proud Reserve team Captain, Fern Burrage.

Potters Bar is its usual rough, bumpy pitch and on a typical cold, grey Sunday afternoon saw us take on a familiar Arsenal side. With previous defeats of 8 or 9 goals to nil, and without coach ‘Deb-or-rah Beryl Ball’ and Hannah Seward due to sickness, Cardiff faced a very daunting task.

The pre-match warm-up for Cardiff was sloppy at times, but some inspirational words from both Lindsey Davies and me (apparently) before kick off seemed to settle some of the nerves!

The first half was defensive to say the least. Arsenal flooded midfield as usual, spreading the ball well around the park. Yet another new back four, this week of Kirsty Lewis, Chantelle Miller, Kath Lovett and Gemma Lewis were tested from the outset and coped well with a strong Arsenal side.

Charlotte Preen was trying a new role of left wing and headed the ball off the line early on in the game from one of Arsenal’s several first half corners.

Arsenal continued with pressure and dominated in our half. They built up good chances, hitting the post once, but failing to convert the rebound. Cardiff’s defence remained strong and positive.

Overall Cardiff held a tight “unit” in the first 45 minutes and walked in at the break with their heads held high, holding Arsenal to a goalless half.

After being reminded that we were playing an undefeated team in the league so far and we were ‘holding our own’, Cardiff came out strong. The confidence of the first half saw strikers Cori and I, with good chances early on, a credit to good build up play from the solid Sam Jones and Ellie Davies in midfield.

The girls worked well together with both youngsters, Kirsty Lewis and Donna Abbott, defensively dominating the right hand side, making good challenges and taming the fast Arsenal forwards.

Gemma Lewis, in her new role of left back, battled hard, controlling what has been in the past, a playmaker for Arsenal. Gemma eliminated crosses from a player who was quick on her feet – the player eventually switched positions – her successor could not do much better.

Ten minutes into the second half saw Cardiff make some changes and the departure of winger Donna Abbott made way for Ellie Smith, coming on as left wing, and Preen switching to a preferred right wing.

Kath & Chantelle worked well at the back communicating and dictating to the whole team, against an Arsenal side who continued to pile on the pressure. Two more Arsenal chances were cleared off the line by Chantelle, and some solid work by 17 yr old keeper Sophie Dando kept the team at 0 – 0.

Fresh legged Smith was eager and lively, and chased down every scrap giving us a good outlet to stretch Arsenal back into their half.

With only two minutes of the game left a clearance from the Cardiff defence saw Cori pick up the ball on the half way line, turn, take on and beat two Arsenal players and play the ball out to right winger Preen. Preen ran up the wing before making an inch perfect cross into the box, landing the ball on the penalty spot. Ellie Smith met it with a diving leg to give us the lead! Arsenal 0- Cardiff 1. Yes that’s right Arsenal 0 – Cardiff 1!!

We had minutes left to keep our victory and with 11 players behind the ball Arsenal looked scrappy and didn’t seem to want it…Cardiff did!!!

When the final whistle went, the dream had become reality. Cardiff City Ladies Reserves had gunned down the once unbeaten Gunners. At the start of the year Cardiff were positioned at the bottom of the league table. Now, after three consecutive victories they are riding high in fourth place.

I believe it was that passion and drive that led us to our victory, our third this year, and we are undefeated in 2009. Something the girls and I will be taking with us into the next game. Not one player shone out for Cardiff but as a team we were solid, ever trying and chasing and giving all we could. That goes for the 11 players on the pitch, all the subs and our faithful Number 2, Lindsey Davies.

Arsenal had their usual players, their usual pitch and their usual manager – and they had their ‘usual’ chances…but we held our own against them. We gave 110% for 90+ minutes and walked away battered, bruised and victorious!! WHAT A FEELING!

This Sunday, 1st March, we play Bristol Academy at home at the University Playing Fields, Llanrumney. Always a tough opponent for us and we would welcome any and all fans and support! Kick off is 2.00pm. See you there.

Match report written by Fern Burrage
Captain
Cardiff City Ladies Reserve Section

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