Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.11 2022-23

Maidenhead Utd 0 Cardiff City Ladies 3
Cardiff City strengthened their grip on FAWNL Division One South West table with
their eighth win in a row away to Maidenhead United by three goals to nil, which takes
them five points clear at the top.
It was a commanding performance by the Dragons against a resilient and
committed Magpies display, the visitors dominating possession throughout the match
with a variety of attacking options. However, such was the strength and skill of the
Maidenhead defence and goalkeeper, the hosts were still in the game almost to the final
whistle.
Maidenhead could have done without conceding an early goal but Kerry Bartlett
was given a fourth minute tap in after a rebound from an attempted clearance fell
kindly. Laura Williams was then denied by a superb last ditch tackle to deflect a shot
wide of Gemma Harvey's goal.
The Magpies' keeper twice had to be alert to punch clear from Libby Piggott's
corner deliveries but generally she was wll protected by her central defenders with
Sarah Thompson, Gemma Bloor and Kajal Malhotra all showing good anticipation to
cut out dangerous crosses and through balls.
Cardiff were inches away from doubling their lead right on the break as a
deflected shot hit the bar but they were soon two goals to the good on the restart.
Skipper Cori Williams was adjudged to have been fouled as she drove into the area and
Chloe Lloyd converted the 53rd minute spot kick.
Maidenhead had some good moments in attack forcing Laura O'Sullivan into
saves from a couple of long range efforts and getting into promising wide areas. One
left side cross from Megan Halfacree was stabbed inches wide with O'Sullivan beaten
on 80 minutes. However, as the game became stretched Cardiff continued to look
dangerous on numerous occasions.
Harvey made to further fine saves to block goalbound shots and was unlucky to
concede a third right on the final whistle when sub Grace Seren was on hand to tuck
away a loose ball.
Cardiff City Ladies look to have a squad full of quality, experience and
determination to regain the status lost at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
Maidenhead United, in the middle of rebuilding and having already given six teenage
players debuts this season, will hope to build on this spirited display against the league
leaders.
Maidenhead Utd: Gemma Harvey, Sarah Thompson, Amy Saunders, Gemma
Bloor, Kajal Malhotra, Vicky Carvill, Megan Halfacree, Ines Cipriano, Chrissy Nazif,
Natalie Cowell, Imogen Fisher. Subs: Lydia Vettese, Mia Stovell, Ashlee Withers, Anja
Harper, Shylla Carty-Duhaney.
Cardiff City Ladies: Laura O’Sullivan, Libby Piggott, Harriet Lambe, Emily Poole,
Thierry-Jo Gauvain, Chloe Lloyd, Kelly Isaac, Kerry Bartlett, Cori Williams, Ingrid
Aadland, Laura Williams. Subs: Hannah Mills, Ruby Scahill, Grace Horrell, Ellie
Sargent, Kate Wood.

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