Rain doesn’t dampen Bluebelles performance

Cardiff Bluebelles Ladies First Team Squad

Cardiff Bluebelles 12 Goytre United 1

Sunday 16th September 2018

Taibach Park, Port Talbot

SWWGL Division 1

The ladies first team continued their impressive start to the campaign this weekend as they brought all three points back from their first away trip of the season against Goytre United. Heavy rainfall prior to, and during the match, didn’t seem to affect the Bluebelles performance as they once again put in a dominant display from start to finish.

The Cardiff based outfit made a number of changes from last weekend, centre back Gwen Pugh lined up alongside captain Becky Cornelius for her first start of the season, and a changed midfield also saw Gabbie Cates and Amelia Davidson handed their first starts of the campaign.

The Bluebelles started the game in a confident mood, having won the reverse fixture comfortably two weeks beforehand and the Goytre goal was immediately under threat. A goal apiece for the front three of Charlene Hewings, Molly Chapman and Caitlin Thomas saw them head into a three goal lead within 30 minutes, before Goytre hit back with a quick break away to make the score 3-1.

The Bluebelles responded almost immediately though with player of the match, Thomas adding her second of the half. A composed finish by Hewings then added to the Bluebelles’ lead, before she completed her hat trick with a well struck finish from the edge of the box. Despite the Goytre defender’s brave effort to block the shot, Hewings’ strike meant the Bluebelles went into half time with a comfortable 6-1 lead.

The second half began as the first left off with the Bluebelles continuing to dominate possession and keeper Kirsty Lewis was untroubled during the half. Goytre, to their credit, continued to work hard to keep the score line down with their defenders blocking numerous shots, until Becca Jones slotted home from the edge of the box to make it 7-1.

Jones quickly added her second of the afternoon from close range, as an indirect free kick was awarded after the Goytre keeper had handled a back pass. Thomas then added two further goals to match Hewings in taking her goal tally for the afternoon to four.

By now, the Bluebelles were camped in the Goytre half with fullbacks Holly Jenkins and Hannah Moger causing problems all game on the overlap, and it was Moger who completed the scoring for the Bluebelles. After driving down the right flank she cut inside and curled a superb effort into the top of the net with the outside of her foot.

The game was to end 12-1 with manager Adam Hewings delighted to see his team bring all three points back to Cardiff.

It was a similar story for the development ladies, who also made the trip to Port Talbot to face Goytre’s development squad in the earlier kick off. Manager Chris Hooper saw his side come away as 14-0 winners as the impressive start to the Bluebelles’ development campaign continues. Despite the high scoreline it was the clean sheet that was particularly pleasing for the development coaching staff.

Next weekend’s fixtures will see the first team face a tough test away to a  Cwmbran Celtic side who have made a number of new signings over the summer. The development ladies also face a tough test with a home fixture against Cardiff City ladies development.

Report by Francesca Howorth, Cardiff Bluebelles Media Officer.

Cardiff Bluebelles kindly sponsored by KCS Transport,  Blue Ridge Canine Academy and Priority Childcare.