Ynys Môn women show great heart in tough Games opener against a strong Western Isles

GUERNSEY ISLAND GAMES 2023

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL GROUP C

Ynys Môn 1 (Jess Jones 90+)

Western Isles 6 (Sinead Macleod 4, Catriona O’Carrol 6, Shana McPhail 31, Jessica Macleod 32, Christie Mackenzie 57, Kayleigh Mackenzie 90)

Jess Jones provided some late cheer for Ynys Môn with an added time consolation goal in today’s heavy defeat to the Western Isles.

The 17-year-old Llangefni Town youngster, who came on as a second half substitute, latched onto a great ball from Cerys Gadd and put away Anglesey’s first goal of the tournament.

While the loss was emphatic, it must be stressed that the Western Isles fielded a very strong team with several players attached to top women’s clubs in Scotland.

Trailing 4-0 at half time, Môn never really overcame a nightmare start in which they conceded twice in the first six minutes, yet their second half display was full of fire and pride.

On a bumpy College Field in Guernsey, Dan Gregg’s were soon under the cosh.

In the fourth minute, Sinead Macleod struck with a back-post header before Catriona O’Carrol added a second following poor defending from  the Welsh representatives.

Ynys Môn tried to rally, Jen Cox hitting a shot which keeper Chloe Nicolson comfortably kept out.

With Charlotte Gill impressive on the ball and Hannah Owen offering a threat down the left, Môn settled into the game and things began to look more promising, yet Western Isles were looking a constant danger on breakaways.

Two goals in a minute put Isles in complete control.

Shana MacPhail made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute and in no time a great finish from Jessica Macleod increased the lead.

Ynys Môn started the second half really well, Cox’s intense running creating a couple of opening she was unable to take, the bounce of the ball proving a problem.

It was against the run of play when keeper Jess Marshall did well to keep out a free kick, but in the ensuing scramble defender Christie Mackenzie bundled the ball home with 55 minutes on the clock.

Play became stop-start for long periods as the heat took its toll with several injuries and substitutions occurring.

Marshall produced a great stop to deny Kayleigh Mackenzie, but there was to be one more goal from the Outer Hebrideans. 

Kayleigh Mackenzie produced a smart finish in the 90th minute, but in added time Anglesey had the last word with that Jess Jones goal.

Ynys Môn can take a lot of heart from their display. They take on hosts Guernsey tomorrow in their second group game.

Anglesey team: Jessica Marshall, Marissa George, Carol Lewis, Hannah Owen, Mia RoberJts, Ellie Jones, Charlotte Gill, Jen Cox, Ashleigh Jones, Catrin George, Cerys Gadd. SUBS USED: Emma Roberts, Nia Ginnelly, Jo Bramwell, Tesni Hughes, Jess Jones