Sunday's game served as a chance for both sides to get a psychological edge before they meet again in the League Cup Final at Aggborough, Kidderminster on May 8. The visitors started the brightest with Alys Hinchcliffe's corner falling kindly to Abbie Britton, who forced a hurried clearance from Alex Keown. At the other end, Avilla Bergin forced a reaction save from Lucia Leon's cross. Keown, an intelligent figure at the back, read Hinchliffe's dangerous cross into the box before Cardiff's Kelly Isaac and Kerry Bartlett exchanged passes and the latter's effort was saved well by Toni-Anne Wayne. Minutes later, Bianca Baptiste broke away down the right before finding Kelley Blanchflower, whose angled effort was denied by Laura O'Sullivan. Blanchflower created more danger, her pass inside the area arriving to Maya Vio whose powerful drive was blocked and O'Sullivan did well to keep out Blanchflower following-up. A great chance soon arrived for Cardiff's Laura Williams, who broke away on goal after a skilful flick-on by Bartlett, though she could only place her low effort inches past the post. On the stroke of half-time, Isaac's free-kick from just outside the area deflected into the path of Hinchcliffe, who made no mistake in finding the bottom corner from six yards to put the visitors ahead. Soon after the restart, Bergin created a glorious chance after floating a delightful pass over the top to Blanchflower, whose attempted lob was denied. With Spurs applying pressure looking for a way back into the game, a double chance arrived with just under an hour played. Riana Soobadoo saw her half-volley from 12 yards blocked in a hurry by Michelle Green, Rosie Kmita then found Wendy Martin who placed her attempt wide. Martin couldn't come any closer to finding an equaliser when she struck the post and Shannon Moloney hit a dipper just wide. As the game drew to an end, Keown tracked Hinchcliffe's run all the way making a vital challenge before she could get her shot away. Spurs Ladies - Toni-Anne Wayne, Lucia Leon (Wendy Martin 46), Sophie McLean, Alex Keown, Avilla Bergin (Josephine Green 78), Bianca Baptiste, Jenna Schillaci (captain, Shannon Moloney 57), Riana Soobadoo, Maya Vio, Rosie Kmita, Kelley Blanchflower. Substitues (not used): Leah Rawle.
