Cardiff seal dramatic Welsh Cup win on pens against Swans

Cardiff City fought back to win the Bute Energy Welsh Cup final 5-4 on penalties after trailing 3-0 25 minutes before the end of normal time at Rodney Parade.

Mackenzie Olden stepped up to score the final shot from the spot with only one missed opportunity in the shootout, Swansea forward forward Stacey John finding goalkeeper Ceryn Chamberlain's arms in her final appearance for the Swans.

If that was a disappointing end to John's time at the club, losing after building a 3-0 lead will have been felt more deeply by her and her team-mates.

Chloe Shivers produced a sensational opener for the Swans, sending in a lofted, left-footed strike from distance on the right, deflected in by the base of the upright.

Chivers provided the final pass for Aimee Deacon to double Swansea's lead from close range soon after the break.

Two minutes later Maisie Miller was left unmarked for Chivers to find her on the left. Miller made no mistake with a low drive from outside the box to put them 3-0 up.

The momentum swung in Cardiff's favour when Fiona Barry lobbed into the back of the net and four minutes later Shannon Evans headed in from a corner for the Bluebirds to dream again.

A deflection off Jessica Williams's head was the own goal that brought Cardiff level off Fiona Barry's shot in the 81st minute to send the game to penalties straight after the end of normal time.

Olden made no mistake as she hit the back of the net to spark wild celebrations among Cardiff players, officials and fans as they savoured a fifth successive win in the competition.

And it was also a notable moment for Noah Bushby in his first game in charge of Cardiff after the departure of Iain Darbyshire.

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