Interim Head Coach Phillip Hubbard took charge of his first home game for Yeovil Town as they hosted last seasons runners-up Cardiff City. There was 1 change from last weekends squad that drew 2-2 with Watford, as Jodie Chubb returned to the back line.
Cardiff City looked the much brighter team at the beginning of the game, with a number of early shots on goal. However, it was nothing that really tested Yeovil keeper Beth Howard.
As the game continued and Yeovil struggled to maintain possession, Cardiff looked the most likely to open the scoring, with good build up play that they failed to capitalise on.
Yeovil eventually had an opportunity to break as Kelly Aldridge received the ball in miles of space and set off towards goal, with Meesha Dudley-Jones for support. However, after passing the ball out Aldridge was unable to connect to the Dudley-Jones cross back into the box. This led to a collision between Aldridge and Cardiff keeper Laura O’Sullivan, who required treatment but was able to continue.
With the game finally opening up, possession bounced between teams, with a large amount of the play in midfield. This led to Yeovil’s first real shot on goal, with Aldridge taking aim. But her shot was straight at O’Sullivan.
A foul in the box led to Yeovil being awarded a penalty, which was a perfect opportunity for them to open the scoring. Sarah Wiltshire stepped up, and despite sending the keeper the wrong way, could only see her attempt sail wide.
Both teams were still pushing for a breakthrough as Cardiff Captain and ex Yeovil player Chloe Lloyd tried her luck from range. She received the ball in space, but Beth got down well to push it away.
Cardiff were very much on top as the half continued, and they thought they had finally broken the deadlock when a free kick was headed in, but the offside flag was up. However, it didn’t take them long after that to open the scoring. In the 27th minute the Yeovil defence gave the ball away just outside the box and Grace Horrell was there to pick it up. She was able to slip the ball through to Gwen Davies who slotted it home from close range. Cardiff, deservedly, had their breakthrough.
Cardiff made an early substitution as another ex Yeovil player Nadia Lawrence left the field and was replaced my Cori Williams. Lawrence has recently returned from injury, and is building up her minutes again.
The visitors looked to add another late in the half as a corner was sent into the box, finding the head of a Cardiff player. Howard managed to push the ball just wide, and the teams went in for half time with Yeovil Town trailing by 1 goal.
There was a half time substitution for Yeovil as Thierry-Jo Gauvain replaced Jodie Chubb in defence.
Cardiff appeared to kick into second gear as they came out for the second half, and Yeovil had a lot to do if they wanted to get back into the game.
Yeovil’s Kelly Aldridge had looked most likely to score in the first half, and was at it again in the second. Her shot from range was met by a fantastic finger tips save from O’Sullivan; showing why she is the No 1 goalkeeper for the Wales National team.
Despite the game becoming very end to end, with Yeovil finally enjoying more consistent possession, Cardiff still looked the most likely to score again.
Towards the middle of the second half Yeovil got their goal. The ball bounced around in the box after a Sarah Wiltshire corner and Cardiff were unable to clear their lines. Yeovil defender Katie Jones was there to smash it home and bring the game level.
As the intensity of the game seemed to die out Yeovil had a fantastically worked opportunity to go ahead. Wiltshire ended up 1 on 1 with keeper O’Sullivan, however failed to correctly connect her final shot and it was straight into her arms. Cardiff also had their chance for a last minute winner but quick reactions from Howard denied their attempt.
The game ended 1-1, with both teams earning a point for their efforts. After yesterday’s round of games Yeovil Town are 5th in the league table, with Cardiff above them in 3rd.
