Taff's vague memories

With Exeter's recent victory over Bristol City and the great Cardiff plague of 2004 laying low so many players, this wasn't going to be an easy game for Cardiff City. With Dave Walker and Terry both sneezing for Wales and Elaine and Rob both feeling under the weather, the ends had to be re-thought at the last minute, and the lack of proper preparation showed. Both sides started sluggishly, with Exeter looking out of sorts and Cardiff failing to put away several decent chances. Midge finally broke the deadlock about 8 minutes in, only for a missed penalty to be punished as Exeter equalised.

As per usual after a long period without any goals, the next two came in quick succession, Josh showing the right way to take a penalty, and Exeter's man mountain Karl Taylor landing his first shot. At 2-2 the game was still well balanced, but thanks to Susan's unselfish post work, it was only a matter of time before the goals came. James Midge and Taff's shoot on sight policy dragged the defenders out and two shots from the halfway line put Cardiff 4-2 up.

By now Cardiff were playing with a lot more style and continuity, and Elaine's strong rebounding gave her a simple shot from behind the post, which she duly sank for a 5-2 half time lead. More slack defending from Taff enabled Exeter back in it as Karl dispatched another long shot, but soon Cardiff were back in the driving seat, as first a long shot and then some sort of jammy one-handed flick on the turn flew in. Going into the last quarter Cardiff were 7-3 up and despite all Terry's appeals for turning the screw, we went into cruise control and the game meandered away. Some wayward passing and poor shot selection, coupled with a much improved defensive display from Exeter meant that both sides were unable to carve out many decent chances. Exeter's ex-Cardiff Uni player Sarah Hume capped an excellent display with a runner near the end, which Sian then mirrored with practically the last action of the match. It was no more than she deserved after an exhausting duel with her opposite number Helen, and seeing her previous goal disallowed so we could be given a penalty (!?!?)

So an 8-4 victory keeps Cardiff in the hunt for a top two finish in the league, but we will still need to find more continuity and a killer instinct if we are to challenge for top spot.

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