Report

There was a special atmosphere at P.I.L.C.S for what was this eagerly awaited League Cup Quarter-Final with The Bluebirds coming to town. It was an occasion to enjoy and a chance for the "Green Army" to test themselves against top notch opposition packed with U.17's, 19's and full Welsh internationals. Indeed their 2 centre backs were full internationals Lauren Price and Emma Jones. A decent crowd had gathered to watch the game and was boosted by many Mardy Tigers players past and present and they also provided the ball girls for the evening. It was to prove a tight and tense affair as Cardiff City started the better as P.I.L.C.S keeper Abigail Powell pulled off a fine save after just 3 minutes diving low to her right to deny the visitors an early nerve settling goal. P.I.L.C.S certainly gave as good as they got in the first half with their midfield trio of Ceri Hudson, Leilah King and Katrina French working tirelessly to disrupt their opponents posession and time on the ball. Star striker Amy Thrupp was not feeling the best due to a chest infection but gave her absolute all on a night when 1 goal was always going to be enough. The Bluebirds understandably looked to be the greater threat but P.I.L.C.S hung on in there and were always looking to break quickly thanks to wingers Kate Jeremiah and Amy Griffiths who both worked their socks off covering acres of ground during the 90 minutes. A knee injury to right back Carys Lloyd was a major blow as she was forced off at half-time and replaced by Chelsey Flenley. A re-shuffle saw Amy Griffiths drop back in at right back alongside fellow defenders Katie Fryatt, Millie Brain and Frankie Wesson who thwarted everything that Cardiff City threw at them backed up by keeper Abigail Powell who was immense in goals and was rewarded with the Player Of The Match award for her all round performance. Like I said 1 goal was going to be enough and when Amy Thrupp was set free after 60 minutes only to see her lob beat the keeper but roll agonisingly wide of the post thoughts that maybe it wasn't to be our night went through our minds. So it proved as itwas to be another Amy Wathan who was to break the deadlock with just 10 minutes remaining when her pin point shot found the corner despite a despairing effort from keeper Powell almost getting a touch. P.I.L.C.S gave it everything in the final 10 minutes but just couldn't break down a rock solid defense. The final whistle brought to an end a titanic cup tie played in tremendous spirit and much to be proud of for P.I.L.C.S Ladies having run The Bluebirds so very close.