Meet the champions of Bangor University – llongyfarchiadau!

UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL – BUCS LEAGUE NORTHERN 4A

UCLan 1
Bangor University 6 (Nocivelli 2, Davies 2, Morgan-Reed, Pratten)

All hail the Northern 4A champions – promoted Bangor University!

In their final league game of the season, the North Wales women’s football team travelled to bottom of the table UCLan, knowing a win or draw would confirm the title and secure elevation to the next level.

In blustery and snowy conditions, Bangor looked to start brightly and settle quickly.

With Preston-based UCLan pressing the ball from the first whistle, the visitors took control from the first kick.

Within the first 10 minutes Bangor broke through the UCLan back-line multiple times, finally converting when Chiara Nocivelli slotted past the keeper.

Just minutes later Bangor should have been awarded a penalty after Abi Jones sped away from the back-line following a well-timed pass from Shannon Jones, only to be taken out by the UCLan goalkeeper with the ball ricocheting just wide of the goal.

Trearddur Bay’s Freya Davies then added a second for the Bangor side seconds later following a mazy run through the UCLan defence.

Following two early goals Bangor were able to establish a rhythm, creating numerous chances, finding lots of joy down the wings with the aforementioned Freya and Abi.

A long ball cleared by the UCLan goalkeeper was returned by the much-changed Bangor back-line, breaking to left back Erin Mulvey.

Sending Llangefni’s Abi Jones down the line, a good ball into the box was scrambled away for a corner. The resulting inswinger from Georgia Pratten was met by a leap for her second headed goal in as many matches by Nocivelli.

Using the rolling substitutions rule, Bangor started making switches early to keep legs fresh.

With a three-goal lead, Bangor allowed the Lancastrians to get more of a foothold into the match. A strong counter-attack down the left was cut out by Zoe Forester. The resulting corner bobbled around the box with Bangor failing to get the ball clear, the clearance falling to a home attacker whose effort bobbled over the line to cut the goal deficit to two.

Knowing that they needed to pick up the quality and pace of the match Bangor looked to close out the first half like they started it, with intensity and purpose.

Following a brilliant turn and run down the left from Abi Jones leaving her defender behind, the resulting cross evaded a touch from Shannon Jones or Nocivelli and fell across the edge of the box. The ball rolled to Davies, who placed a curling effort in the top corner to make it 4-1 at half time.

With no more subs being made during the interval, Bangor started off the second half much like they finished the first: creating chances, but not quite being able to finish them, the UCLan keeper deserving credit for keeping the scoreline at just 4.

Another opportunity to make it 5 arose when Noémie Font burst in the box, only to be fouled by a defender resulting in a penalty for the Welsh team.

The penalty taken by Hâf Morgan-Read was matched by an excellent save from the UCLan goalkeeper, who had produced fine stops and been alert off her line all game.

With substitutions being made the game became scrappier entering the last 20 minutes, UCLan creating more opportunities.

Following a spell of loose play Bangor won a free kick on the edge of the centre circle. The effort by Morgan-Read of Llanfairfechan looped over the goalkeeper and found its way into the top corner.

Bangor were able to carve more openings in the last 10 minutes, with Pratten claiming a well-deserved goal.

With the match finishing 6-1, Bangor claimed the league title with a convincing win to round off an unbeaten season.

Their varsity match against Aberystwyth University right around the corner, the squad is feeling positive about how their preparations have gone and are looking forward to competing in tier 3 of the BUCS League next season.

Players’ player and Coaches player was Hâf Morgan-Read.

Coach Gwynfor Edwards, who joined Bangor earlier this year and has now won eight trophies in six seasons with various sides, said: “We knew that despite their league position UCLan were always going to be a tough opponent. Add in a rock solid pitch, wind, snow blizzards and two hours in a mini bus, you could almost call it a recipe for disaster!

“But, as we’ve seen this season, when the odds get stacked against these players, they have no problem stepping up.

“Of course it was a scrappy game, and there were definitely moments of frustration, but objective A was 3 points and a comfortable 6-1 away from home nails that.”