Match report: Cardiff City LFC 0-2 Ipswich Town WFC

Ipswich started the game in good fashion, comfortable in possession and maintaining a high press to put Cardiff on the back foot.

Natasha Thomas had an early chance for Ipswich. The striker went one one-on-one with Cardiff goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan, but the Welsh goalkeeper stood her ground and steered the shot wide.

Shortly after the first chance Ipswich found themselves through again with Lenna Gunning-Williams surging through the middle of the pitch but her shot didn’t match the run as it rose over the bar.

Cardiff slowly grew into the game after a spell of chances for Ipswich with their first opportunity of the game falling to Tia Asker who found herself in a dangerous position on the right-hand side, her initial ball into the box rebounded to her feet and her follow-up was denied by the feet of Ipswich keeper Laura Hartley.

Ipswich created a beautiful chance down the left-hand side with a nice bit of interplay between Ipswich winger Gunning-Williams and striker Lucy O’Brien but her close-range effort was matched with an impressive save once again by Laura O’Sullivan who was in fine form this afternoon.

The second half kicked off and the battle between the two sides continued. Both teams started the second half strong with having several shots on goal.

Cori Williams had an early shot on goal at the start of the second half. Unfortunately for Cardiff, she missed as she hits the side netting after being slid an excellent through ball.

Ipswich’s Lucy O’Brien once again makes an excellent shot on goal having a strong start to the second half. Her effort hits the bar and is then cleared away by Cardiff City.

Kelly Issac then takes a free kick for Cardiff City curling the 20-yard strike and sadly then hitting the upper left post.

Some excellent saves again from Laura O’Sullivan in this half of the match. She prevents Maisy Banker from scoring.

A strong and eventful start for both teams as they are pushing each other. Then a goal for Ipswich. Natasha Thomas taps the ball in from across the box.

Both teams keep pushing but unfortunately another goal is scored when a penalty is awarded to Ipswich. Bonnie Horwood scores their second goal as she secures the ball in the top left corner.

A disappointing defeat for Cardiff after a strong game ends poorly. Let’s hope they can move on and secure a win in there next match against Cheltenham Town LFC.

©️ Photos by Megan Monk