Preview | Cardiff City Women v Swansea City Women
Swansea City Women will look to make it back-to-back away victories as they face Cardiff City at the International Sports Campus this afternoon.
The Swans picked up their first win in three matches last Sunday as two second half goals from Aimee Deacon and Chloe Chivers saw the Swansea defeat Cardiff Met 2-0 at Cyncoed Campus.
It was a much needed win for Yzzy Taylor's side who face Cardiff City this weekend, and will be looking to do the double in phase one since the 2021/22 season.
Swansea picked up an opening day 3-1 victory over their rivals at the ThermaGlaze Ground, with Chloe Chivers opening the scoring, before an own goal and second half finish from Emily Richards was enough to claim all three points, despite a late consolation from Cardiff summer signing Gillian Keenan.
Cardiff have had a very strong few weeks since then, having lost against Wrexham the following week, they have now won the last six matches on the bounce, scoring 34 times in the process as they sit three points above the Swans in third place.
Pre-match views
Swansea City Women Head-coach Yzzy Taylor: "Last Sunday's result was really important for us, not just in terms of the points but also the confidence and belief it gives the group. We've worked hard throughout the season and the performances have been positive, so it's important that we carry that momentum into Sunday.
"Credit to Cardiff, they've responded really well after their opening two results and have shown exactly what they're capable of over the last six games. They're a team with plenty of quality and attacking threat, so we'll need to be organised, disciplined and switched on throughout. We have to respect their strengths, but equally concentrate on our own game, impose our style and make sure we give them problems.
"Every point matters at this stage of the season, and our priority is making sure we take care of our own performance and get the three points. We've been really strong away from home, which I think comes down to the mentality and togetherness within the group. The players have shown great character and there's a real belief in the squad.
"These are the games you want to be involved in. There's always an extra edge to a South Wales derby and we know how much it means to our supporters and everyone connected with the club. The players are excited, but we need to channel that emotion in the right way, compete for every ball and put in a performance our supporters can be proud of."
Goalkeeper Amelia Forkings: "Training has been really positive this week. Everyone has been in good spirits following Sunday's win and clean sheet.
"I think it was something we needed as a group to get us ready for this weekend. We got the win at the start of the season, which I think will give us confidence going into the game, and we'll be well prepared.
"Cardiff have been in a rebuilding stage and have picked up some good results over the past few weeks. We've seen how well they've been doing, but we've beaten them once this season and I think we can do it again.
"We know it will be a challenge. A South Wales derby is never easy. It's a big occasion for us and that's where we want to be. We want to be playing in the big games and doing the best we can for the badge."
Flashback - September 26, 2021
Swansea City Women continued their perfect start to the 2021/22 campaign with a convincing victory over rivals Cardiff City Women.
The Swans made a strong start, opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a moment of class from Chivers, who broke the deadlock with a delightful dinked finish over Ceryn Chamberlain.
Five minutes into the second half, Katy Hosford doubled the Swans’ lead as her delivery into the box evaded Chamberlain and found its way into the back of the net.
Substitute Oakley added a third with 20 minutes remaining, showing great composure to take the ball around the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.
Just a couple of minutes later, Oakley rounded off the scoring with her second of the afternoon. A superb run from the forward took her into a dangerous position before she calmly stroked the ball past the onrushing Chamberlain to complete a convincing Swansea victory.
Cardiff City Women: Ceryn Chamberlain, Lisa Owen, Ffion Price, Hannah Daley, Siobhan Walsh (captain), Sophie Norman (Catherine Walsh 63), Pheobie Poole (Zoe Atkins 83), Seren Watkins, Danielle Broadhurst, Danielle Green, Megan Saunders (Amy Williams 57).
Substitutes not used: Zara Pernalete, Charley Hocking.
Swansea City Women: Claire Skinner, Ellie Lake, Shaunna Jenkins (Nieve Jenkins 79), Alicia Powe (captain), Ria Hughes, Kelly Adams, Laura Davies (Emma Beynon 71), Tija Richardson, Chloe Chivers (Rhianne Oakley 57), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis
Substitutes not used: Gemma Border, Chloe Tiley.