Rhyl 1879 captain Rachael Thomas welcomes return to form after opening day wake-up call

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 captain Rachael Thomas says Sunday’s 12-0 cup win at Llangefni Town came as a big relief after the pain of an opening day 8-0 defeat at champions Llandudno in the tier 2 Adran North.

That loss at the OPS Wind Arena on September 5 was 1879’s first ever in the league, as last season – their debut campaign – they won the North Wales Women’s League title without suffering a single defeat in 18 matches, scoring 118 goals and conceding just 13.

Their first taste of higher-tier football was a totally different experience as Llandudno piled on the goals in a classy display.

There were caveats for Rhyl that day – adjusting to the loss of a couple of key players in the summer, as well as having several regulars missing which forced the fielding of some inexperienced under-19’s.

However, things turned out much better in their first Genero Adran Trophy clash against Llangefni, to be fair still a new side in development, with Candice Nellist and Niomi Taylor both netting hat-tricks in the 12-0 rout.

Becca Bannister scored twice, one a penalty, and there was a goal each for captain Thomas, Tegan Crockett, Hana Eagles and Amy Woodbridge.

Rachael was really pleased to see a goal from Woodbridge, a player who always gives 100 per cent and had gone so close to finding the net in a few past matches.

“Amy scored a brilliant header from my corner at the front post,” recalled the skipper. “She beat the defender to the ball and met the ball perfectly. So made up for her.

“It was also great to see Hana score her first goal for the team. She is a really good signing for us, we’re delighted to have a player of her experience on board this season.

“My goal was outside the 18-yard box – a powerful shot flew in over the keeper’s head. Boo’s (Bannister’s) other goal, she turned the defender and hit the ball with her left foot and it went underneath the keeper.

“In terms of Ni’s and Candice’s hat-tricks and Tegan’s goal, they all came from great football.”

Rachael added: “I was very pleased with the performance on the back of a heavy defeat to Llandudno.

“The girls played tremendous football throughout the whole game, playing out from the back from Lauren and some fantastic build up play. We looked to keep the ball so much better and not force the ball and the movement off the ball helped created some fantastic opportunities with some tremendous finishing.

“Every single player was outstanding. Llangefni as always were brilliant, they fought for the whole game and never gave up. They have a fantastic team work ethic and that will no doubt serve them well this season.”