HISTORY MAKERS: CARDIFF CITY WOMEN

Led by Iain Darbyshire, Cardiff City became the first ever side to complete the Welsh treble.

Cardiff City lifting the Bute Energy Welsh Cup.

Hopes were high ahead of the season after The Bluebirds completed the double last season by winning the League Title and Welsh Cup. Cardiff bolstered their ranks with the additions of Emma Beynon, Kelly Adams, Tija Richardson, Mackenzie Olden, Amelia Forkings and Molly Kehoe.

Cardiff made there long awaited return to the Women's Champions League after just over a ten year absence. The Bluebirds drew Lithuanian outfit FC Gintra, and narrowly lost 2-0. City faced Irish side Shelbourne and faced defeat again with a 3-0 defeat, this sealing their fate in the competition. Perhaps not successful, but a great experience ahead of the new Adran Premier season.

The Bluebirds opened the Genero Adran season with a routine 3-1 victory over Cardiff Met with goals from Meg Bowen and Rhianne Oakley. However, Cardiff were held in their next outing, drawing 0-0 against Aberystwyth in the side's only draw of the campaign.

City returned to winning ways with back-to-back wins against TNS and Wrexham. This before The Bluebirds' first fixture in the Welsh Cup, Cardiff ran out 14-0 winners against Llanelli Town, with goals coming from Danielle Green, Kelly Adams, Mackenzie Olden, Madison Lloyd, Mikayla Cook and Eliza Collie.

The Bluebirds backed that up with three wins in the league on the bounce, including a special night at the CCS, where The Bluebirds ran out 6-0 winners against Barry Town. And, with one of those coming in a close fought South Wales Derby, where Molly Kehoe popped up with the only goals in a 1-0 win.

Cardiff made light work of Swansea University in the Welsh Cup, running out 5-0 winners with goals from Rhianne Oakley, Hollie Smith, Mackenzie Olden and Hannah Power.

City's first game in the Genero Adran Trophy came against Pontardawe Town, Cardiff sailed past Ponterdawe with a 21-0 win, with goals from Lisa Owen, Ffion Price, Rhianne Oakley, Danielle Broadhurst, Hollie Smith, Mackenzie Olden, Tija Richardson, Grace Phillips, Olivia Basham and Eliza Collie.

Cardiff beat Pontypridd 3-0 to advance in the Welsh Cup. As well as beating Wrexham 3-1 to continue there fine run in the Genero Adran Trophy. However, Cardiff's sixteen match winning streak and two year unbeaten run came to an abrupt end, as The Bluebirds were beaten 2-0 by Swansea City in a minor setback for Darbyshire's side. City ended Phase One at the top of the table.

Reinforcements were brought in ahead of phase two, with impressive young talent Anna Phelps making the move from Pontypridd United, and Kerry Walklett coming in with previous experience at Watford and West Brom.

Cardiff got there revenge as they beat The Swans 3-1 a few weeks later to confirm there place in the Welsh Cup final. As well as beating Aberystwyth 4-0 to confirm a place in the Genero Adran Trophy final.

City confirmed the retention of the Adran Premier trophy after a comfortable 4-0 win over Swansea, with goals from Rhianne Oakley, Molly Kehoe and Eliza Collie. Cardiff lifted the Genero Adran Premier title after an emphatic 5-1 against Wrexham at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Bluebirds faced off with Swansea in the Genero Adran Trophy final. The Swans took the lead after eighteen minutes, and went in at the interval ahead. However, The Bluebirds showcased their fight to comeback with five second half goals from Megan Bowen, Rhianne Oakley, Eliza Collie and Molly Kehoe. The Bluebirds lifted the Genero Adran Trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Cardiff would then face Wrexham in the Welsh Cup Final. Despite a valiant effort from the Red Dragons, a goal from Rhianne Oakley and a stunner from Emma Beynon, was enough to see The Bluebirds seal victory and, the Treble.

A true testament to the team's hard work and determination throughout the season. Thoroughly deserved history makers. Putting Women's football in Wales on the map, and giving it the profile it deserves. A team that are getting better to watch year by year with so much talent in the ranks!

Onto the Champions League in the summer...

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