Cardiff Bluebelles 3 Severn Tunnel 0
Sunday 28 October
Llanrumney
SWWGL Division 1
This week saw the Bluebelles back home in Llanrumney with an eagerly awaited top of the table clash against a Severn Tunnel side who had lost just once so far this season. In what could be described as a ‘six pointer’ both sides went into the fixture knowing victory would send out a big statement to the rest of the league.
Severn Tunnel started the brighter of the two sides drawing a smart save from Bluebelles keeper Kirsty Lewis early on which won the visitors the first corner of the game. After several minutes of pressure the Cardiff side began to settle into the game and won themselves several corners. Despite excellent deliveries from Becca Jones and player of the match, Holly Jenkins, the Bluebelles could not capitalise on their chances.
Twenty minutes into the game saw the Tunnel keeper penalised for handling outside of her area. Dead ball specialist Becca Jones stepped up for the resulting free kick and her effort seemed destined to hit the net but a Tunnel defender’s outstretched arm blocked the shot. A penalty was rightly awarded and Bluebelles’ left back Holly Jenkins, despite being one of the youngest players on the pitch, showed tremendous courage and leadership to step up for the spot kick which she scored emphatically.
Only several minutes later the Bluebelles keeper was also penalised for handling outside of the area when taking a goal kick, although this time the resultant free kick sailed harmlessly over the cross bar. It was however a warning to the Bluebelles side who began to up the tempo. The Bluebelles backline and midfield trio of Jones, Davidson and Bailey were unrelenting as they pressed in numbers, starving their opponents of any time and space on the ball. Whenever possession was lost the Bluebelles were determined and merciless in their quest to win it back and chances for the Bluebelles dangerous forward line soon began to emerge.
Molly Chapman, who pressed from the front all game, put the Tunnel keeper under pressure and managed to nick the ball away from her feet. As Chapman looked to round the keeper with the goal gaping, she was pulled back in the box and again the referee correctly pointed to the spot. Jenkins once again showed nerves of steel to step up and calmly slot the ball into the corner of the net.
The Bluebelles knew heading into half time with the scoreline at 2-0 that they had a fantastic chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table and were determined to take it.
The first five minutes of the second half again saw the Bluebelles pressing at an excellent tempo, with numerous physical battles taking place in the centre of the park. The Bluebelles though began to reap the rewards of the fitness work put in so far this season as they began to dominate the game. 55 minutes in saw the ball break to the industrious Mollie Bailey on the edge of the box and she produced a spectacular volley into the top right hand corner of the net which left the Tunnel keeper stranded.
With the score line at 3-0, Tunnel were now pinned into their own half. Despite the Bluebelles enjoying most of the possession, the visitor’s strong, physical defenders were standing firm. Tunnel were now looking to create chances on the break but any threat was expertly dealt with by the solid centre half pairing of Cornelius and Donovan, leaving keeper Kirsty Lewis with relatively little to do.
To their credit, the Tunnel defenders stood firm as the Bluebelles dominated possession and some excellent defending and a string of saves from the keeper kept the score line at 3-0. With the last kick of the game, a quick break away from Tunnel saw their pacey striker’s effort nestle into the side netting, much to the relief of the Bluebelles defence who were determined to emerge with a clean sheet. As the resulting goal kick was taken the referee blew for full time and the Bluebelles kept their unbeaten record intact.
Elsewhere, the development ladies also faced a top of the table clash against Welsh Premier League side Cardiff Met’s development squad. Despite being on the wrong end of the 4-1 score line, the improvement being made by the ladies each week is to be commended.
Bluebelles vs Severn Tunnel Squad List
Kirsty Lewis
Holly Jenkins
Becky Cornelius (C)
Shanice Donovan
Hannah Moger
Amelia Davidson
Becca Jones
Mollie Bailey
Caitlin Thomas
Molly Chapman
Chantelle Chapman
Erin Prynne
Charlene Hewings
Gabbie Cates
Gwen Pugh
Report by Francesca Howorth, Cardiff Bluebelles Media Officer.
Cardiff Bluebelles kindly sponsored by KCS Transport, Blue Ridge Canine Academy and Priority Childcare.
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