Bangor 1876 women disappointed with defeat but encouraged by youth progression

Bangor 1876 report…..

Welshpool Town 1 (B Jones 45+1)
CPDM Bangor 1876 0

The long journey down to Welshpool ended in a disappointing defeat for the seniors as a single goal on the cusp of half time from Beth Jones was enough for the hosts to take all three points.

Reflecting on the performance and the game, 1876 manager Aron Griffith had this to say: “Unfortunately this wasn’t the result we were hoping for. We knew it was going to be a tough game, expected nothing less.

“It really was a game of two halves. I thought we were really flat and didn’t get going in that first half at all. Becca (Elliott – goalkeeper) kept us in the game a few times to be fair. We were missing those through balls, created only one or two half chances but that energy and performance levels we’ve seen in recent matches just wasn’t there.

“This altered in the second half and we dominated the play having most of the possession. We had some decent enough chances and a disallowed goal which we thought was ‘on’ albeit a tight call.

“Maybe the balance of the game might have turned in our favour had that decision gone our way. Who knows we might have kicked on, and got something out of the game. To be fair, their goalie made some good saves and their defence was excellent despite our relentless pressure.

“They frustrated us again and again and got numbers behind the ball. Over the full 90 minutes we didn’t do enough to earn the win, so respect to Welshpool they took their chance and defended brilliantly.

“However a real positive for us today was praise for our youth pathway. Menna from our under 16’s side stepped up to make her senior debut coming on as a second half sub and impressed. This shows the pathway is working and the future of CPD Merched Bangor 1876 looks bright when you also consider the u-19’s ( those 16, 17 and 18 year olds) that played today, so I’m really happy with that aspect.

“All credit to Welshpool, on balance they were the better team today, definitely in that first half anyway and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season. So we’ll dust ourselves off and look towards our next set of games.

“This is a learning curve for us all and we’ll learn together from games like this, focusing on those many positives from that second half performance and build on it. Having said that, we need to see a reaction from the team and bounce back starting next week against Holywell.”

Heledd Evans, who captained the team, added: “Not the result we were hoping for. We found it hard to play simple football and keep possession for some reason.

“Our performance second half was much better and more positive after a change of formation. Menna came on to make her first team debut and slotted in perfectly. Cerys also came on and continued to press on their defence and Gwen was unlucky to have her goal ruled offside.

“Plenty of positives to take to next week’s game.”