It’s a big Rhyl 1879 welcome for goalkeeper Bethan Thomas!

Bethan (in green) in action for Northop Hall against Llanfair

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have added one of North Wales’ finest goalkeepers to their squad.

Bethan Thomas has signed for the Belle Vue side after many years as No 1 at Northop Hall.

The 22-year-old began her career with Connah’s Quay Tigers Under-6’s.

Once a mascot for Manchester United in the Champions League, she went on to represent the North East Wales Regional Squad.

With Northop Hall ladies, she became established as one of the finest keepers in North Wales, her shot-stopping ability second to none.

Bethan was a key member of the Hall squad which landed the North Wales Women’s League title and NEWFA Cup double in 2017-18.

Despite the Hall having to rebuild in recent seasons, and not being as successful as previously, Bethan has remained an outstanding performer for the team.

In 2021, she was chosen, along with Wales’ most capped keeper Nicky Davies, in the North Wales All-Time Women’s Dream Team XI.

The team was determined based on the best XI’s chosen by 30 North Wales players past and present. Bethan tied with Davies for the most goalkeeper votes, proving just how highly regarded she is in the game. The poll was conducted by Grassroots North Wales.

She now joins Rhyl 1879, who are newly-promoted to the tier 2 Genero Adran North League this season. Her former team-mate at the Hall, Chelsea Evans, also recently moved to Belle Vue.

As she has not played for Northop Hall this season, Bethan is eligible for Rhyl 1879 in tomorrow’s massive Welsh Cup tie at Llandudno at the Flyover Ground, Llandudno Junction (kick-off 2 pm).