Amlwch Town earn narrow win over CPDM Bangor 1876

Bangor 1876 2 (Elin Jones, Ceri Lois)
Amlwch Town 3 (Lowri Thomas 2, Shannon Thomas)

Two teams expected to do well in the tier 3 North Wales League this season played out a thrilling encounter at Plas Ffrancon, Bethesda, on Wednesday.

Amlwch edged the win thanks to two goals from young striker Lowri Thomas and a Shannon Thomas net-finder.

The 16-year-old Lowri’s first goal saw her work the ball onto her right foot in the box and beat the keeper with a low finish.

For the second, she ran powerfully into the penalty area and found the net, despite keeper Becca Elliott getting a hand to the shot.

Long-serving player Shannon forced the ball home at the back post.

Bangor 1876’s goals came from Elin Jones and Ceri Lois.

Elin’s was a looping cross-shot, while Ceri sent a lovely chip beyond keeper Ceri Pritchard.

Amlwch led twice, 1876 came back on two occasions to level, but Lowri Thomas grabbed what turned out to be the winner on the hour.

With a minimal squad available due to work commitments and injury, it was always going to be a tough test for 1876 against a well-drilled Amlwch side full of talent.

Reflecting on the game, 1876 coach Aron Griffith, who took over the reins for the evening in manager Jonny Batten’s absence of through illness, commented : “Massive thanks to Amlwch for coming down. It was a really good game with good football being played by both teams.

“Obviously we are disappointed to lose the match but I can’t fault that performance from the team against a very good Amlwch side. Every player on the pitch gave 100%. Even though some were carrying injuries or playing out of position they didn’t let it show.

“Yes we rode our luck at times with Becca making some excellent saves but we were always in the game with counter-attacking intent and created chances.

“The team showed resilience and character coming from a goal down twice, but then got caught on the break for their winning goal on the hour.

“Even though we applied a lot of pressure and created chances trying to get that equaliser it just didn’t fall for us on the night and Amlwch were able to manage the game out.

“I think we can take a lot of positives and confidence from that performance and can’t wait for the season to start on September 5 away to NFA.

“We want to wish Amlwch all the best for the forthcoming season and look forward to playing them again in the league.”