Llangefni Town Ladies up to fourth after 4-0 away win, but Flint show lot of promise

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE REPORT – JANUARY 22, 2023

Flint Town United 0
Llangefni Town 4 (H Owen, Cox, C George, Coulson)

After making it five wins in eight league matches, Llangefni already have more victories less than midway through the current season than they managed in the whole of last.

Town moved up to fourth place in the standings with a convincing away success at Flint on Sunday.

And Dan Gregg’s side will aim to make it six wins in nine when they travel to much-improved bottom team Caernarfon Town on Wednesday.

Taking on newcomers Flint at the Essity Stadium, the hosts started well, working some nice passing moves and controlling the game, but in the 16th minute they were caught out when the returning Megan Summers-Jones played a sublime ball through to Hannah Owen who curled a right footed finish past keeper Rebecca Bott.

Flint responded well with Rosie Hughes and Daisy Hughes looking lively.

However, in the 23rd minute Jen Cox won a tackle and drove herself into the box to score her 13th of the season and make it 2-0 to Llangefni at half time

With managers Gregg and Liam Ewing urging Llangefni at half time to remain concentrated they did just that and kept Flint quiet and piled on the pressure themselves after the break.

In the 58th minute Ffion Thomas’ outstanding set pieces paid off when Catrin George headed home to score the third and her second in as many games.

With the game looking more secure Gregg had the chance to give Summers-Jones a rest after a successful 70 minutes return. The ever-reliable Sharlee Owen came on and looked as solid as ever.

Eleanor Coulson then scored in the 72nd minute for her eighth goal of the campaign, ensuring that for another game her and strike partner Cox both made the scoresheet.

With the game wrapped up on came Lara Cain to carry on stretching the Flint back line with her pace. Caitlin Toulmin made her second appearance for Llangefni and Alaw Jones came on for the brilliant Ffion Thomas.

Manager Gregg said: “Always good to get the three points in an away game, the girls played some nice stuff especially in the second half.

“I felt we didn’t really get out of third gear and the girls know that we’ll have to show more in the coming months. Big tests on the way!

“Flint look like they are going to be a cracking side soon, they try to play the right way, a brilliant set up and some young players. Give them another season and they’ll be a force for sure. Rosie Hughes produced some nice moments for the home side.”

Dave Jones – Grassroots North Wales comments

I agree with Dan Gregg, Flint Town United have the look of a team that will develop into something good.

Yes, as a new side they will lose a few in their debut season, but they already have two wins under their belts.

I’m familiar with many of their players, such as Rebecca Bott, Talia Jones and Caitlin Latham, who all impressed me playing for Kinmel Bay in the past, as well as Sinead Beck (Holywell) and Abi Bradley (NFA). Determined young players.

And from what Dan says, there may be more than one famous Rosie Hughes playing in North Wales in the not too distant future!!!

As for Llangefni, five wins out of eight! They were impressive at times last season but while they have suffered some heavy losses against higher ranked opposition in cups this term, in the league they have been superb.

They are the only team that have come remotely close to getting a point off leaders Bangor 1876 – a narrow 3-2 defeat at the start of the season.

And the loyalty being shown by the players who are attracting interest from other clubs is admirable.

I think what’s been key for Cefni this season so far is strength in depth. Dan and Liam Ewing always have a strong bench at their disposal, which helps the team go on to turn or see out games.

Incidentally, I hope Ian Rush wasn’t at the Essity Stadium on Sunday to poach Dan for Liverpool!

TEAMS

FLINT TOWN UNITED

Rebecca Bott
Chloe Hughes
Charlotte Walters
Daisy Hughes
Sinead Beck
N/A
Abi Bradley
Talia Jones (Eva Gowen 72)
Rosie Hughes
Taylia Chaloner
Charlotte Durrans

LLANGEFNI TOWN

Jessica Marshall
Cara Hughes
Marissa George
Nia Ginnelly (c)
Ellie Coulson (Lara Cain 77)
Jen Cox (Caitlin Toulmin 77)
Hannah Owen
Catrin George
Megan Summers-Roberts (Sharlee Owen 68)
Ffion Thomas (Alaw Enlli Jones 84)
Llinos Hughes