Cardiff City Ladies are on the brink of qualifying for the second qualifying round of the Women's UEFA Cup following a hard fought victory over the Croatian hosts.

ŽNK Dinamo Maksimir, were looking to establish themselves in the group following their opening match thrashing at the hands of Dutch outfit Saestum by 7-0. Cardiff were searching for their second win of the group, having already beaten Dundalk WFC of Ireland by 3-0.

In the cool OF THE evening, it was Cardiff who started the game with positive attacking football and within twenty minutes had taken the lead. Terri Beddows powerfully heading Cardiff in front from a corner. Her second goal in as many games.

The opening goal seemed to settle the Croatians and they began to play more effective football in Cardiff's territory. It was no surprise that they equalised just after the half hour when Petra Glavac clipped the ball into the net from a swift counter attack.

Within a minute Marrie Barrow lobbed Manuela Polanscak in the Maksimir goal to restore Cardiff's lead, which was the score at the break.

Shortly after the break Cardiff extended their lead. Good passing play from defence saw midfielder Charlotte Miller make a driving run forward, the Maksimir defence held off giving her the opportunity to shoot and she drilled the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

The two goal cushion afforded Cardiff the luxury of being able to relax and enjoy the game while Maksimir seemed resigned to losing their second group match of the tournament.

However, with twenty minutes remaining Glavac scored her second goal for Maksimir and it set up a tense and end-to-end finale. The Croatian’s had several corners in the closing minutes but were unable to convert any of their chances. The Welsh club held on for an historic victory.

Manager Michele Adams stated after the match "This was a very tough test for us tonight, and I am delighted with the way the squad raised themselves to the challenge, in particular those last 20 minutes when we were pegged back to 3-2."

Caroline Cooper, club captain added "This is another fantastic result. The club has signed new players for the new season and we seem to be gelling well. We are not getting carried away because we need to win our final game to qualify and the Dutch will be a tough prospect. But as footballers these are the types of games we want to play in, so it will be exciting".

Cardiff now face Saestum of Holland on Sunday 13th August to decide who will progress to the second qualifying round in mid September. Cardiff need to win the game as Saestum have a massive goal advantage following their 6-1 hammering of Dundalk WFC.

Final Score: Cardiff City 3 - 2 ŽNK Dinamo Maksimir.