Bethel performance at Aberystwyth Town delights their manager

Fflur Williams controls the ball for Bethel. Pictures: CHRIS HOWELLS

Aberystwyth Town Ladies 1 (Thomas 80)
CPD Merched Bethel 0

In a spirited pre-season workout, Bethel lost out to a late goal at Park Avenue to Welsh Premier League side Aberystwyth.

In the Sunday morning heat, both teams started the game at a frantic pace looking to get off to the best possible start.

Aberystwyth tried testing Sioned Hughes-Williams, shooting at will, but none of the efforts worked the Bethel stopper.

Bethel had the first big chance of the match, Mari Gibbard’s inch-perfect free kick finding Erin Maloney, whose aerial volley was unbelievably tipped onto the bar by the Aberystwyth goalkeeper Ffion Ashman and out for a corner.

Ten minutes later, Shannon Jones was sent through on goal by Fflur Williams and her hard work and perseverance led to her getting to the ball first and her shot was again saved by Ashman.

Bethel’s Beca Williams (maroon and black). Picture: CHRIS HOWELLS

After the water break, the tempo was affected and both teams struggled to get a grip of the game up until half time.

Aber came alive in the second half and put much more pressure on Bethel, but up until the second water break, could not break down a rock-solid away defence who threw their bodies at everything.

However, when Bethel conceded a late free kick on the right hand side of the box 10 minutes from time, the ball was delivered for Kelly Thomas, attacking the back post, to nod home.

Bethel tried to get back into things before the final whistle but Aber shut up shop and held on to take the spoils in an enthralling game.

Bethel manager Ben Bolton watches on from the dugout. Picture: CHRIS HOWELLS

Said Bethel manager Ben Bolton: “I thought we were fantastic today, we worked incredibly hard against a very well-organised side and fought for everything, the girls gave 100% and I can’t ask for more than that.

“We had a lot of top players missing today, but the squad we had gave absolutely everything and for me, this shows me how strong our squad is and how much depth we have.

“Of course it would have been nice to get the result and the girls felt they deserved a result today, but sometimes by losing a game you learn so much, and today’s game is one of those. There are so many positives we can take from this match which is vital for us ahead of the new season.”