Women’s football: Another 15 to watch in 2020

Bethel striker Ffion Williams (right) in action against Corwen. Photo: Sian Armstrong

When I chose my top 15 women players in North Wales football for 2019, there were a lot of others I wanted to mention.

So here are some more names to watch for 2020 – and this list takes in the entire North Wales Women’s League, which includes Llanfair United players too.

Ffion Owen (Amlwch Town)

Ffion Owen (blue) is in amazing form entering 2020. Picture: Gethin Jones, Amlwch Town

Frustrating first half of the year due to her former club Caernarfon Town resigning from the Welsh Premier Women’s League, but was outstanding for Ynys Môn at the Inter-Island Games.
Ffion then joined Amlwch Town and has been magnificent this season, scoring 16 goals from midfield.

Becky Lees (Airbus)

Becky Lees (centre) can be relied upon to get goals

Consistent player up front over a number of years for Airbus now.
Was joint-top markswoman last season with 13 goals and this term has netted seven, scoring in every game she has played. Like her team-mates, she just needs game time! Airbus have suffered more than most from postponements.

Rebecca Hughes (Northop Hall)

Becca Hughes (second left) blue is always geeing up her team-mates. Picture: Matthew Jones @MJImages

Like Airbus, Northop Hall have been desperately short of matches due to the weatjer.
When they have played, Rebecca has been as consistent as ever, a midfield battler who can always be relied upon to bag a few goals.

Ffion Williams (Bethel)

Ffion could be a massive player for Bethel in 2020

What a player up front for Bethel!
She scored 20 last season and is on 10 for the current campaign, scoring a magnificent hat-trick against Rhyl in the Welsh Cup recently.
Pacy, direct and almost impossible to stop in full flow. Also participates in MMA. All-action girl.

Anest Roberts (Bethel)

One to watch: Anest Roberts of Bethel

One of the best young players in North Wales.
Very composed in defence and comfortable moving forward, she gets more than her fair share of goals.
Anest represents everything that is exciting about the current Bethel team.

Shannon Jones (Bethesda/Bethel)

Shannon Jones (left – behind player on ball) is progressing well at Bethel

Was excellent as an attacking-midfielder in last season’s Bethesda Division Two title-winning side and has now slotted in perfect to the Bethel squad.
Lively player in the centre, puts everything into her game and also has an eye for goal.

Niomi Taylor (Rhyl)

One of the most natural finishers around.
Tall, skillful front-player who was always a consistent goal-getter in her Kinmel Bay days and is now showing the same talent with Rhyl in Division One.

Mary Bailey (Llanfair)

Mary Bailey (dark blue) is a class defender for Llanfair. Pic: Ian Francis

Tremendous defender and a natural leader who has been a key player for Llanfair in 2019, helping them to the joint-Division One title and cup double last season and now a big part of the Powys team’s magnificent start to the current campaign.

Gemma Jones (Llanfair)

Gemma Jones is a prolific scorer for Llanfair. Picture: Ian Francis

Her record speaks for itself – 32 goals in all competitions last season made her the top scorer in the North Wales League.
She tops the Division One chart this season on 11 goals and has pocketed 12 in all.

Katie Bowe (Mountain Rangers)

A left foot made in heaven: Katie Louise Bowe

Did not get to play too much in 2018-19 due to Caernarfon Town’s difficulties, but signed for Mountain Rangers in the summer and has collected 10 goals already.
Having played for so long in the Welsh Premier, she stands out in NWWL Division Two with her passing and ability to score so many long range goals. Like her team-mates, just needs regular game time now. Rangers have endured so many postponements.

Jade Scott (Airbus/Prestatyn)

Jade Scott (blue) could really make her mark for Airbus this season

Brilliant for Prestatyn last season, she finished on 13 goals. Now with Airbus where she is keen to make her mark and hopes like the whole team to get better luck with fixtures being played in 2020.

Elin Arwen (Llanberis)

Elin Arwen of Llanberis

Highly rated young defender who is coming along in leaps and bounds this season.
As the team grows in stature, so will she. One to watch.

Sade Benjamin (Rhyl)

Sade Benjamin (front row, second from left) offers Rhyl plenty of options. Pic: @footyrhyl – Rhyl Ladies FC Twitter account

Last season with Rhyl Development, she recorded 15 goals, often playing as a lone striker.
This season she is being engaged in a deeper role, but still plays her part in many attacks, especially in delivering set pieces. She can also quickly adapt to a striking berth when required. Developing into a really good all-round player.

Mary Griffiths (Llanfair)

Mary Griffiths (dark strip). Picture: Ian Francis

Such an elegant performer, very difficult to stop when in full flow, exquisite ball skills.
Always likely to score goals, but is also a great provider too. Ask any other team in the league about Llanfair and their players and it is certain Mary will be mentioned very promptly.

Natalie Harrison (Rhyl)

Natalie Harrison (right) with team-mates Ceri Purvis and Joy Jamieson

Forms a good attacking partnership with fellow veteran Ceri Purvis.
Both can get goals and work extremely hard. Natalie’s sharp fitness levels make her a constant danger to defences and her experience is really boosting Rhyl in their first season in Division One.