Varsity joy for Bangor University to round off perfect season

VARSITY FOOTBALL

Bangor University 3 (S Jones 2, A Jones)
Aberystwyth University 0

Report: Hâf Morgan-Read

In their final game of the season, Bangor defeated strong rivals Aberystwyth University by three clear goals in their annual derby.

Despite going into the match on the back of an undefeated season, BUCS 4A Northern champions Bangor knew this clash would be their toughest yet against a much improved and experienced Aber team.

Aber went into the game with what could be considered by many as the upper hand. In addition to the BUCS (University) league, they also compete in a Sunday league, with squad members also part of Aberystwyth Town Development who play in the Adran Leagues top division.

A more competitive team than Bangor has faced in previous years, the North Walians knew they would be in for a testing match.

Difficult weather conditions and unforeseen facility issues resulted in a pitch change that unsettled both teams.

From the first kick Aber pressed the ball with an intensity that Bangor had not seen all season and the hosts struggled to settle into the match.

However, with Aber playing a high press and overloading the midfield, Bangor were able to play to their strengths and go down the wings to Freya Davies and Abi Jones with their speed and directness.

Bangor found joy on the 20-minute mark. Shannon Jones slotted past the keeper for her 15th goal of the season to give the home team a much-needed lead.

After going a goal up Bangor settled, creating chances and playing fluid football, targeting the wings.

In order to combat Aberystwyth overloading the midfield, Haf Morgan-Read made way for energetic midfielder Noémie Font (fresh from a basketball win earlier in the day) to provide more of a cover for the back-line and allow Georgia Pratten to continue supporting the attackers.

Whilst they created numerous opportunities, Bangor could not find another breakthrough and went into half time a goal up.

With no changes at half time Aberystwyth started the second stanza like they did the first: with intensity.

Unlucky to not capitalise on the chances they created, Aber soon went off the boil and Bangor’s dominance shone through.

With their support on the sidelines pushing them on, the hosts created chance after chance, only prevented from adding to the score by some outstanding saves from the Aber goalkeeper.

After going down following a period of cramp, captain Carys Lock was unable to continue, giving way for midfielder Danni Carey. With Danni dropping into her regular role in midfield, Font dropped back to an unfamiliar centre back role with ease.

Following another quick break on the left Shannon Jones fired a shot at the Aber goalkeeper that she could only deflect to the back post where Abi Jones beat two defenders to slot the ball home for her well-deserved and first goal of the season.

Bangor pressed on, creating chance after chance against the deflated Aber squad. In the closing minutes, Shannon Jones broke through the tiring Aberystwyth back-line to make it two on the day and three overall.

With frustration showing from the Aber side, not even a very questionable WWE-esque challenge on Bangor’s top scorer could dampen the spirits of the North Wales side.

As the final whistle went, squad members and supporters alike poured onto the pitch to celebrate the resounding victory.

FT Bangor University 3 Aberystwyth University 0

Varsity score: Bangor University 30 Aberystwyth 11 – Bangor win Varsity for seventh year in a row

After-match comments from Bangor coach Gwynfor Edwards

“It always feels special when your hardest game of the season is the last game. Add in the Varsity rivalry and the atmosphere was something like a cup final – a reward for the players who deserved it after their successful graft in the league.

“We knew all week long that it was going to be a tough match against a side that play twice a week, they were always going to be that bit tougher than what we were used to.

“The first half could have gone either way, but our work ethic was once again the deciding factor, walking in with our noses in front.

“We knew as the second half started, they were going to really have a go at us; and for 10 minutes we were really on the back foot, but always seemed to have that bit of control.

“Thankfully that 10 minutes really kicked us up a gear. And as Abi slotted home our second (and I’m absolutely delighted for her) you could see our players finally realising that they were on top in this game.

“For the last 30 minutes, we really played our best football of the season with former Llandudno midfielder Danni Carey winning the battles and controlling the centre of the park.

“When the third went in, it was truly rewarding- we knew then we’d done enough, with such little time remaining. I’m sure it was followed by a great night out, but I wouldn’t know anything about that…”