Sunday football: Men’s and Women’s friendly match reports (December 6)

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

Amlwch Town 3 Connah’s Quay Nomads 6

Plenty of goals between the top two sides in North Wales League Division Two last season, but it was an impressive Nomads, in their first game under new coach Stephen Boyes, who came out on top.

The Nomads line-up included Mia Rawling, a Wales international who won the Under-16 Welsh Cup with Penrhyn Bay in 2019 and featured in their senior side last season.

Becca Bannister and Becky Jarvis-Evans both scored twice for the Deesiders, while last term’s top-scorer Candice Nellist and Ellie Sandiford added singles.

Amlwch, who were without their leading markswoman Lexi Crawley, replied through a Catrin Evans double and Meinir Thomas strike.

Town gave a debut to new midfield signing Jo Bramwell.

Manager Mo Eynon said: “Tough game today against a good Connah’s Quay side. Ten months is a long time without playing, but just being out there and having a game is great. Look forward to going over to them in the New Year.

“Hopefully there’ll be some sort of league in January. Seems like a few teams playing friendlies; makes it a bit odd to not at least look at starting the league.”

NFA 1 Airbus 2

Becky Lees scored a goal in each half to secure Airbus victory, but the real bonus for the visitors was the return of former player-manager Mari Edwards to the field after a two-year absence through injury.

NFA took a first-half lead when Amy Webster converted from a Rachel Lloyd corner, but Lees levelled it before the break.

Consistent goal-getter Lees then grabbed the decider in the second half.

NFA manager Andy Lloyd said: “Much better performance today and youngsters stepping up and playing well. Three injuries again though in the first half left us short in defence.”

MEN’S FOOTBALL

The Millbank 5 Rhyl Wanderers 1

Millbank bounced back from last weekend’s loss to The Mally in style by going nap against Wanderers.

The in-form Joel Poh broke the deadlock when showing typical determination he gambled on the keeper making a slip – which he did – to slide the ball home.

Wanderers replied with a penalty to equalise, but that was as good as it got for them.

Millbank regained the lead when a great ball over the defence released Aaron Martin, who slotted through the keeper’s legs for 2-1.

Paul Ham produced a magnificent save for the home side, then before the interval Poh cut the ball back for Jordan Cairns to make it 3-1 at the turnaround.

Cairns turned provider in the second half when his exquisite free kick set up Ashley Randles to volley home.

Birthday boy Ham then delivered the icing on the cake with another superb save, followed by a stunning double stop after which Wanderers found the net but the scorer was ruled offside.

Alex Hall set the seal on an emphatic Millbank win with a late penalty. Keeper Ham was named MoM.

Ruthin Town Vets 4 Denbigh Wanderers 1

Roger Beech, Dan Porter, Elgan Hughes and Dave MacCarter were on target as Ruthin came out on top in the Vale of Clwyd derby.

Despite the scoreline it was a tight contest overall with Wanderers more than playing their part.

Coedpoeth United Res 0 Cefn Albion Res 5

Cefn’s undefeated reserves chalked up an impressive away victory.

The youngsters played at a high tempo and in patches, on a heavy surface, some impressive football was played.

Jay Bluck put away a hat-trick for Albion, Leighton Kendrick adding a brace.

Llay Welfare Colts 12 Castell Alun 1

Josh Russell hit five for a Llay outfit which was always on top in this early Sunday clash.

Dan Richardson (4), James Towey (2) and Will Mullock added further home goals.

FC Queen’s Park 1 Connah’s Quay Nomads Vets 4

Mike Salusbury (2), Leon Bowen and Shaun Beck guided Nomads to victory.

Danny Wade was man of the match for the winners.