Match report: Jen Cox bags hat-trick as Llangefni win again on the road

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE – APRIL 23, 2023

Denbigh Town 0
Llangefni Town 4 (Cox 3, H Owen)

Five away matches in a row unbeaten and 11 points out of a possible 15 – life on the road is a bowl of cherries for Llangefni Town these days.

Dan Gregg and Liam Ewing’s side remain third in the table after Sunday’s superb success at Denbigh which saw Cefni make it seven undefeated in all.

The home side started well with some lovely one touch passing in midfield and a chance came early doors with in-form Cefni and Ynys Môn stopper Jess Marshall diving quickly to her left to keep the ball out and avoid an early goal for the Vale of Clwyd hosts.

Llangefni started to get to grips and created chances with great work coming from winger Hannah Owen and the industrious Eleanor Coulson.

After 25 minutes Jen Cox struck a right-footed shot into the back of the net and made it 1-0 to the Anglesey aces.

With more Llangefni pressure it took Cox another 15 minutes to land her brace, finishing past stand-in goalkeeper Sophie Bancroft.

Just before half time Hannah Owen burst into the box and as she was about to pull the trigger defender Emily Morris made the tackle of the game to keep the islander from making it 3-0.

Unfortunately for Denbigh Morris’ bravery came at a cost when she was injured from making the challenge and could not continue. On came Carla Rizzi.

The second half continued with both sides creating chances and having good spells of possession. After 75 minutes Hannah Owen got her reward for a fantastic performance when Marissa George played a wicked ball into the box and Owen tapped home to make it 3-0.

Things got worse for Denbigh when captain Elen James Owen was shown a red card to the surprise of both teams and dugouts.

Just before the final whistle Cox capped off another hat-trick and another top performance to make the end result 4-0 to the visitors. It is now 24 goals this season for the striker.

Llangefni Player Of The Match: Eleanor Coulson
Denbigh Player Of The Match: Eluned Evans

Winning manager Gregg said: “When you travel away from home it’s important not to concede early and I thought the girls did well to stand up to that early pressure from Denbigh and a top save from Jess helped.

“After that I don’t think we looked back. Credit to Denbigh who showed some flashes of lovely football and anyone watching could have seen hints of the quality they still have.

“Some more bodies into the team this pre season and they’ll be back to being a force next season.”