So many positives as CPDM Bangor 1876 hit six in their first-ever game

CPDM Bangor 1876 6 (Gwen Roberts 3, 80 & 85, Ceri Lois 5 & 50, Awel Ellis 27)
Denbigh Town 1

There were so many reasons to feel happy for CPDM Bangor 1876 on a night where they played their first-ever match and recorded a 6-1 win over Denbigh.

It was fantastic to see the return of striker Ceri Lois, back playing after endless injury concerns, and scoring twice for her new team.

Gwen Roberts also shone like a star as she marked her senior debut with a hat-trick and goalkeeper Becca Elliott was outstanding, producing numerous great saves.

Missing a number of key players due to work commitments and captain Danielle Barnfield through injury, the home team began on the front foot pinning Denbigh back in their half with excellent passing interplay and attacking intent.

Before the vistors had chance to settle into the game, Bangor broke down the left with Gwen Roberts scoring the team’s first ever goal with a fine finish on the volley from just inside the box.

This was quickly follwed by a neat finish from Ceri Lois and a cracking shot from outside the area from Awel Ellis.

The game became very open and end to end with a number of chances and both teams going close but for excellent saves, last ditch tackles or unlucky finishes. Denbigh came back into the game with a nice finish from Rosie Hughes as Bangor failed to clear their lines following a corner.

With both teams tiring, Bangor broke again with Ceri Lois latching onto a ball over the top to score and Gwen Roberts netted twice in the last 10 minutes, breaking down the left to put the game beyond Denbigh.

The scoreline in the end was somewhat harsh on the visitors who contributed fully to a highly exciting and competitive first ever game but on the night came across a keeper in outstanding form and excellent finishing from Bangor.

1876 manager Jonny Batten commented: “Firstly I’d like to thank Jordie (Baker) and the Denbigh team for making the long journey down the A55 to play, especially on a Friday night.

“Myself and the coaching staff were very happy and impressed with the work ethic of the team, the effort was there. A few players had to play out of position due to injuries and I appreciate that and their commitment to do what was asked.

“The game plan went well, we wanted a quick start and the team did exactly that with an early 2-0 advantage.

“Complacency then crept in and we allowed Denbigh back into the game, which was not ideal but then turned it back on to get a great result in the end. To be fair Rosie (Hughes) was a handful throughout for Denbigh and if not for the outstanding display from Becca in goal the scoreline could have been a lot closer.

“Happy with the team as their first game, a lot of positives to take forward but also a lot to work on. If they carry on with the work ethic they are putting in and carry on progressing as they are, it should make for an interesting season.”

Players of the match: Becca Elliott and Gwen Roberts.