M.7 - 21/2022 Season

By Eloise Martin

A disappointed Pontypridd after a close 2-1 loss to Cardiff City.

Niamh Tinman’s equaliser in the 15th minute wasn’t enough down at Cardiff International Stadium on Sunday as City bagged the three points leaving the dragons frustrated to go home empty handed.

Cardiff City gained the advantage just three minutes into the first half after finding the net from a low cross.

The Dragons immediately retaliated almost scoring minutes later when a corner from Robyn Pinder found Holly Broad whose shot went just over the crossbar.

Pontypridd's efforts were rewarded when a cross came in from Anais Trinci in the 15th minute finding Niamh Tinman who volleyed it into the left-hand corner.

The half continued neck and neck between the two sides. Another close chance came for Pontypridd when an excellent ball from Olivia Barnett slipped through Cardiff’s defence. Alison Witts was able to make it past the City keeper but her shot was then cleared off the line. The first half finished 1-1.

The second half brought early chances for the Dragons as Robyn Pinder had a shot from just outside the box which landed into the City keeper’s hands. In the 64th minute Cardiff City regained their lead with a powerful long shot into the top of the goal which would leave any keeper helpless. Pontypridd continued to fight with another chance for Alison Witts who cut inside the box and hit an impressive strike which hit the crossbar.

The Dragons efforts weren’t enough this time and Cardiff retained the three points at home. Despite the result the game brought a lot of positives for Pontypridd and it highlighted the excitement and quality recent signings have brought.

Speaking to manager Fern post-match she said: “It was a disappointing loss; I think we deserved to take something home today.”

“We conceded two goals today which we know we could have done more about but the most important thing is that we are creating the chances and the goals will come so I am actually really pleased.”

Next week we face Briton Ferry away in round two of the cup.