After a very successful season Cardiff City’s last match of the season ended with a 3–2 victory over Briton Ferry. In the first 10 minutes, Briton Ferry had a strong attack but Cardiff’s number 14 Shannon Evans was brilliant in defence. Briton Ferry went for goal, but Cardiff’s keeper Ceryn Chamberlain got a touch on it and tipped it over the crossbar.
It definitely could have been 1–0. The away side definitely had more possession, with multiple shots on target and near misses. Cardiff City looked like the weaker side.
In the 19th minute, Cardiff’s striker Fiona Barry got taken down by the Briton Ferry defence. Ffion Price took the free kick but could not find a Bluebird head. The Cardiff City team gained momentum, and in the 24th minute Fiona Barry made an incredible run.
A crossed ball to the Bluebirds’ number 10 Kerry Walklett opened up the scoring. It was a brilliant team goal. There was immediate impact from Briton Ferry as their number 10 Megan Kearle scored the equaliser.
After scoring the goal, Briton Ferry looked strong on the ball, but Laura Curnock and Molly Kehoe made some incredible runs. In the 41st minute, Briton Ferry were completely dispossessed, and Cardiff City took advantage and counter-attacked. Fiona Barry went for goal on her own and gave the Bluebirds the crucial 2–1 lead on the stroke of half-time.
As the whistle was blown, Briton Ferry looked very deflated. As the second half kicked off, Cardiff looked very confident. The Briton Ferry keeper had to make a save at full stretch, which ricocheted off the crossbar.
In the 54th minute, Cardiff City got a free kick which was taken by Ffion Price but Briton Ferry got the ball first. Briton Ferry made some great runs as they tried to go for goal in the 67th minute. There was a potential penalty for the Reds, but the referee did not think it was a hand-ball.
However, Briton Ferry took advantage of a quick counter-attack, and in the 69th minute, Briton Ferry’s number 12 Tija Richardson scored the equaliser. Play continued, and it was a very even last 15 minutes. Grace Evans, Cardiff City’s number 20, made an amazing impact on the ball in the 80th minute.
In the 85th minute Cardiff City’s Mackenzie Olden went for goal, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. In my opinion, she should have passed to Eliza Collie, as she was wide open. Cardiff City were really trying to get a last-minute winner.
In the 89th minute, Cardiff City got their third goal. Ffion Price, who was the Golden Boot winner this season, scored the free kick goal from distance. It was an incredible day for Cardiff City and I have had the most amazing time covering the team this season.
I appreciate this amazing opportunity to do Sport Journalism Work Experience with Cardiff City. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me at the club!