Cardiff City’s UEFA Women’s Champions League adventure is over after they were defeated 4-0 by Athlone Town in the Republic of Ireland.
The League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division champions were three goals up at half-time through Izzy Groves’ early chipped finish and a brace from Roisin Molloy, before Hannah Weasch found the net early in the second half.
Buoyed by an impressive crowd of 1,916, Athlone – making their debut in the competition – made a fast start to the contest and took the lead in the 15th minute. After good play on the wing by Molloy, the ball found its way to captain Groves who looped the ball over Ceryn Chamberlain.
Athlone kept coming at the City backline but couldn’t find a second goal for large phases of the first half. Both Molloy and Kelly Brady in particular tested Chamberlain but were unable to stretch their side’s advantage. At the other end, the Bluebirds’ best chance of the half came courtesy of Fiona Barry but her tame shot went straight into the arms of Megan Plaschko.
Towards the end of the first half, Athlone struck twice in just a matter of minutes. Maddie Gibson’s low cross into the box caused confusion amongst the City defence, and that allowed Molloy to tap home. Moments later the forward had her second as she headed in from another cross into the box.
Despite a brief bright spell for Cardiff after the break, Athlone added yet another goal to their tally five minutes into the second half. City failed to clear a corner, and that allowed Hannah Weasch to score, with the ball rolling over the line after hitting the inside of the post.
Iain Darbyshire’s team regrouped defensively after the fourth goal, but still Athlone created chances. Molloy fluffed her lines when looking for her hat-trick, while Gibson’s free-kick was kept out at the near post by Nieve Jenkins.
At the other end, Laura Curnock shot straight at Plaschko in what was the Bluebirds’ only chance of the second half, as City fell at the first hurdle in the Women’s Champions League for the third season in a row.
