NWCFA Women’s Challenge Cup – Felinheli land first major trophy after beating Llandudno in thrilling final

NWCFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP FINAL 2022-23

Llandudno 2 (Tradewell 64 & 85)
CPDM Y Felinheli 3 (Ffion Williams 37 & 62, Greenough 54)

It was a day to remember for CPDM Y Felinheli as the club won its first major trophy outright under their present name or former one Bethel by beating holders Llandudno in the Coast Challenge Cup final at Maes Dulyn, Nantlle Vale.

Felinheli started really brightly and were first to everything, stringing passes together and feeding their front three well.

Ffion Williams and Jordanne Greenough were causing havoc with their pace and the hold-up play from Katie Midwinter was superb.

After a string of chances came and went for Felinheli the deadlock was broken on 37 minutes when Nel Huws, who has settled well into her new role at left back, played a lovely lofted ball over the top of the defence for Ffion Williams to latch onto and give the Cae Seilo side a well-deserved lead.

With the 16-year-old Lois Williams pulling the strings from a deep lying midfield role, Felinheli held on comfortably to go into half time 1-0 up, although it should have been more.

The second half started with the same pattern, although Tudno tweaked their formation and put Kelsey Davies up top who offered a threat on the counter attack.

However, again Felinheli’s midfield pressure was too much for the opposition and in the 54th minute Huws again played a sublime crossfield pass into the path of Greenough, who volleyed home to make it 2-0.

Felinheli were still on top but to Llandudno’s credit they were starting to get a foothold in the game.

However, Sarah Colville’s side were dealt a blow in the 62nd minute when a mistake in defence let Ffion Williams through on goal from 25 yards out.

With still plenty to do, Williams kept calm and slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Unfortunately, Greenough’s issues with her hamstring came back to haunt her as she was forced off on 63 minutes and replaced by the very experienced Alaw Prys.

In the 64th minute Felinheli were caught napping by some great work from Becky Jarvis-Evans on the left and for the first time in the game the reds not putting pressure on the ball gave Stacey Tradewell too much time and space and she expertly slotted home from 25 yards.

With Llandudno scoring and Felinheli starting to tire the tide changed, with Davies again being the focal point of the Seasiders’ attacks.

The Tudno pressure finally paid off on 85 minutes when Davies slipped Tradewell through on goal and she calmly put the ball in the bottom corner to make it 3-2.

Felinheli made a change with Shannon Jones coming off after a mammoth shift and breakthrough youngster Ceri Hickey replacing her to try and weather the storm.

Weather the storm Felinheli did with no more chances falling to Tudno.

The very lively Fflur Williams was forced off just before the 90 with cramp and replaced by another up and coming youngster in Ellie Williams, who slotted into a back three to see the game out and secure Felinheli the NWCFA Cup in their debut season.

The Player of the match was Jordanne Greenough.

Y Felinheli head coach Aaron Jones-Evans said: “Absolutely over the moon for the girls. It’s been a tough season for everyone involved and we had to fight for everything and anything we’ve had this season. I am so proud of every single player in that squad today and it’s performances like this one today that makes you fall in love with the women’s game.

“This is a building block for Felinheli Women and there will be plenty more to come from this young talented side.

“We want to thank everyone who came there to support us today and make the game such an occasion, we appreciate all of you. Thank you so much!”

TEAMS

CPDM Y FELINHELI

Catrin Beech
Jody Cain
Nel Huws
Llio Henshaw
Kelly Jones
Lois Williams
Jordanne Greenough
Shannon Jones
Katie Midwinter
Fflur Williams
Ffion Williams

SUBS

Alaw Prys

Llio Emyr
Ceri Hickey
Ellie Williams
Elain Owen

LLANDUDNO

Cat Jones
Shona Roberts
Cara Hughes
Becky Jarvis-Evans
Stacey Tradewell
Maddie Williams
Sioned Phillips
Sofie Owen (c)
Erin Doran
Kelsey Davies
Ffion Owen
SUBS
Charlotte Perry
Hannah Smith
Claire Colville