Welsh Premier Women’s League: Llandudno aim to get off to flyer

The Llandudno Ladies squad which won the Chester Tournament this summer

Llandudno begin their ninth successive season in the Welsh Premier Women’s League this Sunday with a long trip to Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Now North Wales’ only representatives in the top flight, following the demise of Caernarfon Town and Rhyl over the past year, Tudno enjoy an unbeaten record against their opening opponents of the 2019-20 campaign.

In 2016/17, Sarah Colville’s side beat Ferry home and away, 3-1 and 3-2, then last term defeated the South Walians 2-1 at Maesdu Park and drew 3-3 at Old Road.

Ferry successfully avoided relegation last season thanks to an impressive 4-2 win in their penultimate game at Rhyl.

The Lilywhites finished bottom but would have stayed up only for the fact they resigned from the league this summer.

Llandudno have lost the services of twins Samantha and Rebecca Jarvis-Evans, as well as ex-Wales international Jasmin Dutton, in pre-season. All three have joined North Wales League newcomers Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Last season’s top-scorer Mari Gibbard is away studying in America, but remains signed for the club, so can represent the Seasiders during any visits home over the campaign.

On the plus side, former Rhyl captain Rachael Nattrass has landed at Maesdu Park, while the versatile Catrin Thomas, who played for Tudno in the 2015/16 season, and defender Sioned Bohana have also joined.

Manager Colville said: “We’re hoping for a good start in our first game. We have one or two missing this week, but still have a strong squad going down.”

Llandudno have produced a promising pre-season, winning the Mold and Chester round-robin tournaments, as well as beating Denbigh Town 9-1, Pwllheli 12-1, San Antonia Bay (USA) 3-1 and Merseyrail Ladies 5-0.

The only blip was a tournament in Northop, where results did not go their way.

Llandudno squad: Georgia Smith, Rebecca Elliott, Louisha Doran, Sioned Bohana, Catrin Thomas, Keren Allen, Shona Roberts, Kelsey Davies, Anna Jones, Cat Jones, Cara Hughes, Jordanne Greenough, Rachael Nattrass, Sofie Owen, Stacey Tradewell, Claire Colville, Aimee Todd, Fflur Williams.

Llandudno’s all-time Welsh Premier Women’s League record

2012/13 (11 teams): Played 20 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 15 GF 23 GA 80 Points 13 Position 9th
2013/14 (11 teams): P 20 W 3 D 5 L 12 GF 30 GA 60 Points 14 Position 9th
2014/15 (11 teams): P 20 W 8 D 1 L 11 GF 31 GA 45 Points 25 Position 8th
2015/16 (11 teams): P 20 W 7 D 2 L 11 GF 53 GA 70 Points 23 Position 6th
2016/17 (10 teams): P 18 W 6 D 4 L 8 GF 36 GA 48 Points 22 Position 6th
2017/18 (10 teams): P 18 W 6 D 1 L 11 GF 29 GA 43 Points 19 Position 7th
2018/19 (9 teams): P 16 W 4 D 2 L 10 GF 28 GA 54 Points 14 Position 6th

Played: 132
Won: 38
Drawn: 16
Lost: 78
Goals Scored: 230
Goals Conceded: 400
Points: 130