Bangor University on the verge of league title and promotion

UNIVERSITIES FOOTBALL (WOMEN’S)

Bangor University 6 (S Jones 3, Nocivelli 3)
Keele University 1

Report: Hâf Morgan-Read

Bangor put themselves on the verge of BUCS League Northern 4A title glory and promotion with a crushing win over Keele in their penultimate match which featured hat-tricks from Shannon Jones and Chiara Nocivelli.

The visitors were looking to build on their 1-0 win the previous week against second-place Sheffield Hallam. And as ever, Bangor knew their opposition could not be taken lightly.

In their first home match of the year, Bangor set the tempo from the off, creating numerous chances and were unlucky to not go ahead on three minutes, an effort from Abi Jones hitting the post from a rebound after a good stop by the Keele goalkeeper.

Within the 10-minute mark, Bangor found the breakthrough goal after a sweeping team attack was calmly finished by in-form striker Shannon Jones.

This allowed the North Walians to settle and create lots of chances. Bangor were able to dominate on the wings with Freya Davies and Abi Jones finding lots of joy attacking the Keele full-backs.

Bangor capitalised when Shannon Jones notched her second goal around the 20-minute stage.

Quickly after this, fresher Nocivelli, who has established herself as a key player, found herself on the end of a quick team attack and was able to slot in for her first and well deserved goal of the season.

Keele were not to be underestimated, launching a quick counter attack that resulted in a corner. The in-swinging delivery dropped on the edge of the box and a well placed lofted shot found its way under the crossbar to cut the deficit to two. Half time 3-1.

Coming out for the second half, Bangor looked to up the intensity seen in the first half from the first kick.

With substitutions being made from both teams, Bangor sought to make the most of an extremely strong bench and fresh legs. The home side replacements slotted into the match seamlessly and were quickly making their mark.

Bangor were able keep the pressure on and Nocivelli soon had her second following a mazey individual run after collecting a loose goal-kick from an otherwise brilliant display by the Keele stopper.

In the race to a hat-trick, Shannon Jones was not to be outdone, claiming her third of the game following some great pressure in the midfield from Georgia Pratten and Noémie Font.

With the game winding down Bangor found themselves with one last chance after Abi Jones chased down a defender and won a last kick of the match corner.

The ball swung in by Font found its way to the back of the net from a glancing header by Nocivelli – also her hat-trick.

This win secured Bangor’s place at the top of the league table going into the last match of the season against a consistently improving UCLan side.

SQUAD

Mia Gleave
Erin Mulvey
Carys Lock
Zoe Forester
Beth Topping
Abi Jones
Hâf Morgan-Read
Georgia Pratten
Freya Davies
Shannon Jones
Chiara Nocivelli
Noémie Font
Kiera Green
Lucia Norfolk
Katie Bolton
Jenny Bennett

Coach Gwynfor Edwards said: “Wednesday we showed glimpses of an identity and a philosophy beginning to emerge; at times it didn’t quite flow, which feels odd considering the scoreline, but when it clicked, it really was quite wonderful!

“Once again, our intensity and work rate was first class.

“It was really hard to pick out stand out performers, because absolutely everyone got themselves involved and contributed.

“When you step away from it and realise this team have only played 6 matches, it hits you that 6 wins from 6 is actually a remarkable achievement.

“We need one further point to secure the league and promotion – and the jewel in the crown will be Varsity on the 18th of March.

“To keep on keeping on is easy when you’re winning!”

Coaches player – Georgia Pratten
Players player – Chiara Nocivelli