Stunning turnaround sealed by Sarah O’Hara winner secures three points for Llanystumdwy

Report: North Wales Women’s Football League – Sunday, November 7

Northop Hall 2 (Hughes 4, Gorecka 31)
Llanystumdwy 3 (Wellings 40, Mpuku 47, S O’Hara 70)

Supermum Sarah O’Hara delivered a 70th minute winner with a rare headed goal that completed a dramatic comeback for Llanystumdwy.

It was just a second win of the season for Carl Williams’ side and a first ever on their travels at the expense of a Northop Hall team which had won three of their first four fixtures.

In windy conditions at Queensferry, Llan decided to play against the wind for the first half.

Taking too long to get into the game. they quickly went 1-0 down after a free kick caused a scramble in the box, enabling Bethan Hughes to find the net.

From this point it was a constant battle for Llan to get out of their own half, but neat defending by Leonie O’Hara, Ffion Emery and Tash Matthews kept many Hall attacks at bay.

However, it became 2-0 when a free kick on the edge of the box in the 31st minute was parried by keeper Sara Lacey and Brygida Gorecka scored from the loose ball.

Aware they needed a goal before half time, Malen Williams’ pass found Hana Wellings, who took on three players and fired beautifully into the back of the net to halve the arrears.

Half-time: Northop Hall 2 Llanystumdwy 1

At the break Llan were in high spirits from the goal and knew with the wind behind them, they had the advantage in the second half.

Starting very strongly with midfielders Malen Williams and Shona O’Brien putting in an amazing shift, the ball soon landed at Grace Mpuku’s feet. Mpuku made a blinding run down the wing, beating players and firing her shot home to make it 2-2.

Close to the hour, Mpuku was forced off with a niggling injury and on came Ysanne Duncan.

In the 70th minute the visitors were in dreamland.

A corner clearance fell to Malen Williams, who lofted a cross into the box for Sarah O’Hara to head home and make it 3-2. An amazing moment for the 41-year-old mother of eight.

The celebration in itself was a sight to see as Sarah ran towards her daughter Leonie, smiling and shouting: “A header – I scored a header!”

Northop Hall pressed for an equaliser, holding nothing back, but Llanystumdwy kept working as a team and defending very well.

The final whistle blew and Llan rejoiced after a magnificent turnaround.

The visitors thanked the supporters who travelled and manager Carl Williams for his inspiring leadership.

Player of the Match went to Hana Wellings who was here, there and everywhere in an all-action performance.

TEAMS

Northop Hall
Bethan Thomas, Holly Mayers, Laura Eagles (Haf Morgan Read 69), Mollie Sigsworth, Abbie Holland, Hannah Williams, Brygida Gorecka (Joann Bennion 82), Alison Whitley, N/A, Bethan Hughes, Natasha Constantine (Daisy Allen 64).

Llanystumdwy
Sara Lacey, Leonie O’Hara, Ffion Emery, N/A, Elin Brown, Tash Matthews, Hana Wellings, Sarah O’Hara, Shona O’Brien, Grace Mpuku (Ysanne Duncan 60), Malen Williams.