Women’s football: Dream start for Llanfairfechan Ladies

Llanfairfechan Town Ladies made a fantastic start to their footballing journey with a 5-1 victory over Llysfaen Lionesses at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

With Llanfair knowing they were taking on an experienced ladies team within the area, the girls took to the pitch with no expectation.

For many, the biggest achievement was just having the confidence to get onto the field.

The next 60 minutes were just simply breathtaking,

With the game set up into three thirds of 20 minutes, the opener saw possession split between both teams and not much separating them.

Llanfair got the first breakthrough following a handball within the penalty box. Team captain Maddie Williams stepped up and from the spot hit the ball high to the keeper’s right. The penalty produced a good save, but Maddie put away the rebound.

Following the goal, Llanfair started to settle and central midfielder Lois Thomas took control and dictated the pace of the game.

Centre forward Sadie Richards made it two for the home team following an outstanding solo effort.

Upon reaching the first break it is fair to say most of the home side were in complete shock and they were now operating in the totally unknown.

The message from the coaching staff was keep it simple and carry on doing what you doing,

The Llanfair back line of Kelsey Robinson, Emma Wright, Rachel Evans and Bridget Midigan held strong following great pressure from the away team.

However, following some good counter-attack, Llysfaen pulled a goal back and Llanfair had to dig in to keep themselves on top at the end of the second third.

Players and coaches were all nervous for the final third. Everyone was extremely proud of what had already been achieved at this point, but all knew they had an opportunity to see the match out and actually win the game.

The final third started and some unbelievable link-up play between Williams and Richards ended in Maddie Williams making 3-1 within the first two minutes.

The confidence was growing within the whole Llanfair side, the likes of Abby Edwards, Ali Reitemeier, Sioned Jones and Pauline Williams all making their mark on the game by showing tremendous courage and team ethic.

Within no time of the third goal Llanfair found themselves 5-1 up. Richards bagged the fourth with a really cute finish and Maddie Williams completed a player of the match performance by achieving her hat-trick.

Big shout-out to goalkeeper Lisa Gannon for putting a hand up and having a go between the sticks with no experience whatsoever – absolutely tremendous attitude.

Llanfairfechan: Lisa Gannon (GK); defence – Kelsey Robinson, Emma Wright, Rachel Evans, Bridget Midigan; midfield – Maddie Williams (c), Lois Thomas, Sioned Jones, Ali Reitemeier, Abby Edwards; strikers – Pauline Williams, Sadie Richards.

Huge thanks to Dave Roberts for words and pictures.