Reserves Beat Portsmouth

It was a cold and miserable day in Cardiff and Cardiff City Ladies Reserves were facing tough opposition in a strong Portsmouth team battling for promotion in this FA Women’s (Reserves) Southern Division 2 match.

Cardiff enjoyed most of the possession, with a few attempts on goal. Good defensive work from Jaz Thomas, Lauren Townsend, Sophie Cole, Joni Warner and goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan kept Portsmouth out.
 
Cardiff’s last chance of the first half saw a through ball from Warner finding the feet of Cori Williams whose cross could not be turned in by Sinead Mellin throwing everything at the ball. The first half ended all square.

The second half saw Cardiff again dominating possession with good midfield play from Rachel Cullen and Rachel Griffiths who were linking up well with the wide players Kay Hatley and Suzie Davies.
 
Manager Deb Ball made a change with Davies replaced with youngster Storm who looked lively from her first touch.
 
The only goal of the game came from a corner by Hatley finding the feet of Mellin whose shot could only be fumbled by the Portsmouth keeper and land at the feet of Williams. She wasn’t going to miss from five yards out and blasted the ball into the back of the net.

Good strong runs from both central defenders Thomas and Townsend could not break the Portsmouth defence down.
 
Cardiff had a chance to put the game out of reach when Williams was through, one on one with the keeper, but she did well to stretch in front of Williams and block her effort.
 
It was a tough encounter where Cardiff had most of the possession but did not take their chances. Still, one goal was enough to take another three points and strengthen their grip on the title.
 
Next Sunday the Reserves travel to Plymouth Argyle and, if they can take another three points, they will almost certainly ensure the League title.

Report by Cori Williams