A change in the weather from the opening day saw Breidablik and NSA Sofia return to the Cyncoed Stadium in the rain for the opening match. Both teams had been left frustrated after their opening fixtures and were determined to make amends after Breidablik had conceded late to share the points against ZFK Spartak Subotica on Tuesday, while NSA Sofia had suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of host club Cardiff Met.
However, things failed to improve for NSA Sofia as Breidablik dominated proceedings from the start, and only a lack of clinical finishing in the box denied them taking the lead earlier than the eventual opener that arrived on 34 minutes through Svava Gudmundsdottir. Fanndis Fridriksdottir was again influential in attack for the Icelandic side, but it was striker Berglind Thorvaldsdottir who doubled the advantage on 40 minutes before Fridriksdottir scored the third before the break with a superb strike from the edge of the area.
Breidablik’s domination continued into the second half, despite the half-time introduction of Lora Petrova for Sofia who caused the occasional problem for the Icelandic defence. However, despite enjoying the large majority of the possession, it wasn’t until the 76th minute when the lead was increased when Esther Arnarsdottir slotted a well-placed shot past Mariya Keleva in the Sofia goal. The scoreline was completed in injury-time when substitute Sema Magnusdottir made it five for the Icelandic side.
Cardiff Met ended the opening matchday as Group 3 leaders and were looking to reclaim top-spot against ZFK Spartak Subotica in the second match of the afternoon. Another large crowd gathered to support the students, with those who witnessed their convincing win on the opening day keen to see a few more goals from the Archers. Manager Dr Kerry Harris made a number of changes to the starting line-up as Sophie Scherschel captained the side, and Aimee Todd was rewarded with starting place following her brace of goals after coming off the bench in the victory over NSA Sofia.
Striker Robyn Pinder squandered a great opportunity inside the opening minutes of the match when she failed to find hit the target from close range, but Cardiff Met eventually took the lead midway through the half when Lily Agg opened her account for the evening. It was a deserved lead for the determined home side, but with the towering Alexandra Jean Quincey playing in a more advanced position for Spartak than in their opening match, it was no surprise to see her level the score before the break. However, with the first half deep into injury-time, Pinder set-up Agg for her to score her second of the game from long-range in spectacular style.
But the dynamic of the match changed early in the second half when Shu-O Tseng equalised and Cardiff Met captain Sophie Scherschel suffered a serious injury that saw her leave the field on a stretcher in the process. Despite the setback Cardiff Met rallied and showed an incredible spirit and determination, with Erin Murray a constant problem for the Serbian defence. However, a 74th minute from Tijana Filipovic sealed victory for Spartak to move them level on points.
Source – welshpremierwomensleague.co.uk
Video – Cardiff Met match footage
