North Wales Women’s Football League – 11 in a row for 1876, fine wins for Northop Hall and Llanystumdwy

MATCH REPORTS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Llanystumdwy 3 Flint Town United 0

Three wins in four matches have really got Llanystumdwy’s season up and running.

Their latest success came at home to Flint on Sunday.

The hosts took a seventh-minute lead when Shona O’Brien played a lovely through ball to Grace Mpuku, whose effort hit the post.

Unfortunately for keeper Sinead Beck, the ball rebounded and hit her on the leg before going in.

Little in the way of clear cut opportunities followed for the rest of the half, the visitors looked threatening when playing the ball in behind the defence for their wingers to chase, and they created a couple of half-chances which were well dealt with by Sara Lacey.

As for the hosts another pass by O’Brien put Ellie Williams through, but a great save from Beck prevented it becoming 2-0.

Towards the end of the half a couple of chances at both ends, for Llan a Tash Matthews free kick found Mpuku, who turned well but shot narrowly wide, and for Flint a succession of corners caused problems. It would have been 1-1 but for a last-ditch challenge from O’Brien.

Half time – Llanystumdwy 1-0 Flint

Few openings at the start of the second half, but then in the 59th minute, Mpuku flicked the ball around the defender for Ellie Williams, whose early shot from 25 yards was just out of reach for Beck as it looped over her into the right-side of the goal.

From this point on, Llan saw the game out well. Flint’s wide players always looked threatening, but now the Llan back-four were dealing with them better, as well as keeper Lacey sweeping when needed.

With 10 minutes to go, Llan captain Hana Wellings finished the scoring. Her initial effort was blocked by a defender, but as the ball rebounded to her on the edge of the box, she made no mistake, finding the bottom-left corner to seal all three points for the home side.

Llanystumdwy manager Sion Parry said: “I’m really pleased with the win today, it was hard fought for 90 minutes and everyone played their part. It was really important not to lose concentration as it always felt a tight contest and a game of few chances.

“I thought our back 4 and keeper were excellent second half as we looked to keep hold of our lead, and in the end it was a really professional performance, 3 goals and a clean sheet – our first this season!

“I’d also like to credit Flint, their longest journey of the season, they came with the bare 11 which is tough, as we ourselves know all too well, but they made it really tough for us, caused us some problems throughout and kept going right until the very end.”

CPDM Bangor 1876 5 NFA 2

Top-scorer Stevie Donougher was on the mark twice as Bangor 1876 made it 11 straight wins and now enjoy an 12-point lead at the top.

Australian student Donougher struck first after 18 minutes and Mia Roberts added a second for the hosts on the half-hour.

Megan Pursell pulled one back for NFA on 32 minutes, but in first half added time Jenna Allsup made it 3-1 to the table-toppers.

Into the second half and Donougher grabbed a fourth for the hosts on 62 minutes – her 17th goal of the season.

Emily Jones replied from the penalty spot, but Lisa Thomas ensured Bangor had the last word with an 82nd minute fifth.

Winning manager Aron Griffith said: “Over the moon with that win today.

“We were obviously going into that game expecting a tough match against NFA and that’s what we got. The girls played their hearts out, put everything on the line and deserved to win.

“The hard work and effort from the girls shows why we also deserve to be where we are, so I’m mega proud of them all today.

“We need to stick with each other and keep this form now for the remaining game of 2022 next weekend away to Pwllheli.”

Northop Hall 1 Amlwch Town 0

Brygida Gorecka scored the only goal in first half added time as Northop Hall moved up to seventh with their third win of the campaign.