Seventh league win on the bounce for NFA

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE REPORT – JANUARY 16, 2022

NFA 4 (Benjamin 2, Webster, Jones)
Northop Hall 1 (Butler)

It is now seven league wins in a row for NFA who lie third in the table and at this stage look well capable of challenging for the title.

After the Christmas and New Year break it was back to action for Andy Lloyd’s side against Northop Hall at Rhyl Leisure Centre’s outdoor pitch on Sunday.

On a very sticky surface NFA started brightly and went 1-0 up after only five minutes, Sade Benjamin latching on to a through ball and finishing neatly.

After 12 minutes the hosts had a corner and Amy Webster powered in a header to make the score 2-0.

It should have been three when the ball appeared to cross the line from a defender’s clearance but the referee was unsighted and couldn’t give the goal.

However, on 19 minutes it was 3-0 with another through ball which Emily Jones reached. After a good initial save from Bethan Thomas, the rebound fell to Jones and she put the ball into the net for her 14th goal this term.

Half time 3-0

Into the second half and NFA continued to create chances. On 50 minutes Benjamin hit a first-time shot from a ball over her head that flew past the keeper and delivered the striker her 12th goal of the campaign.

But for some typically exceptional goalkeeping from Thomas, the home score would have been greater.

Northop were rewarded in the final minute with a goal from 16-year-old substitute Ella Butler.

A good performance from NFA with Amy Webster named Player of the Match.

TEAMS

NFA: Yasmin Mills, Rachel Lloyd (c), Georgia Spibey (Libby McClelland 66), Stella Windsor (Amy Chesters 60), Jess Mills, Amy Webster, Molly Brown, Megan Pursell, Emily Jones (Sophie Clews 75) Grace Bamber, Sade Benjamin.

NORTHOP HALL: Bethan Thomas, Holly Mayers (Gemma Williams 37), Abbie Holland, Millie Sigsworth, Lauren Chambers, Amy Glendinning, Daisy Allen, Brygida Gorecka (Ella Butler 61), Alison Whitley, N/A, Bethan Hughes (Debra Wright 45).