CCLFC before departing for Croatia.

Cardiff City Ladies began their European campaign with a convincing win over Irish Champions, Dundalk in Zagreb, Croatia.

It was the Welsh champions, competing in this tournament for the fourth successive season, who settled the earliest and took the lead just after the half hour when Miranda Hall’s shot rebounded to Loren Dykes, who drilled the ball into the back of the net.

Despite the searing heat, the game was in the balance with chances coming at both ends. However, Cardiff maintained their advantage into half time.

After the break, Cardiff began to show their experience and talent as they dominated possession and the match. They missed several chances to double their lead, with Caroline Cooper and Gwennan Harries missing the target before defender Teri Beddows headed wide from a corner.

On the hour, Cardiff’s hard work was rewarded with a second goal. A neat through ball from Carla Parfitt saw Harries round the keeper and score to seal the win for Cardiff.

After the game Club Captain, Caroline Cooper, said “It was an end to end game but we were well worth the win. It’s nice to keep a clean sheet as we face a tough match against Dinamo Maksimir next which will pretty much decide who will at least come second in the group”.

Cardiff are second in their qualifying group behind the favorites Saestum of Holland, who thrashed the host side ŽNK Dinamo Maksimir by 7-0, thanks mainly to a first half hat-trick by striker Lisanne Vermeulen.

Cardiff are next in action on Thursday 10th August when they take on ŽNK Dinamo Maksimir, followed by Saestum on Sunday 13th August.

Final Score: Cardiff City 2 - 0 Dundalk WFC.