What a fightback! All hail the Ynys Môn women heroes – they did it!

GUERNSEY ISLAND GAMES 2023 WOMEN’S FOOTBALL 5TH-6TH PLAY-OFF

Ynys Môn 3 (Jen Cox 34, Mia Roberts 78, Cerys Gadd 90)

Jersey 2 (Eve Watson 12, 31)

What a comeback – from 2-0 down to 3-2 winners. Huge congratulations Ynys Môn women – fifth place in the 2023 Island Games!

Jersey were expected to win today’s clash at Corbet Field, but this Môn team is never beaten.

There may have been a feeling of anti-climax for Jersey, as they had lost their semi-final spot the previous day due to a technicality, but they still had enough determination to go two goals up before Anglesey’s stars turned the tables.

Ynys Môn women have now achieved their highest ever placing in the official Island Games.

They were runners-up in 2019, but that was a one-off Inter-Games Tournament held in Anglesey and not recognised officially as an Island Games event.

We from Ynys Môn definitely recognise it as a silver medal and an amazing achievement, nothing can ever be taken away from that squad of four years ago.

But under the Island Games banner, this is Ynys Môn women’s best placing ever.

And if you do include 2019 as an Island Games (as I do) then today still ranks as Môn women’s highest finish in an away Games (outside of Anglesey).

Môn made a nervy start and keeper Ceri Pritchard was forced to make a save from their first-minute attack.

Moments later, Jersey’s Jodie Botterill broke into the box but struck the post.

Anglesey began to settle, but they were stung in the 12th minute when Botterill set up Eve Watson to tap home.

Dan Gregg’s side rallied and applied some pressure, Jen Cox turning and shooting straight at keeper Sara Luce. A Charlotte Gill cross needed just a touch, but no-one in yellow was there to apply it.

It was against the run of play when Jersey went two-up just past the half-hour, Botterill again with the assist and Watson completing a double.

Botterill hit the near post with a cross-come-shot before Môn deservedly pulled one back in the 34th minute.

Ashleigh Jones lofted a tantalising ball into the box from the left, Cox used her strength to flick over her right shoulder and finish with her left foot – a magnificent goal.

All to play for in the second half, and Môn were again the more dominant.

Gill was denied by a cracking Luce save before Pritchard, who had a great game, saved from Anita Tavares.

A free kick from Gill went close, then Watson had the chance of a hat-trick but scuffed her effort and Pritchard dived on the ball.

Then on 78 minutes it was joy for Môn.

Cox battled once more in the box, Daniella De Silva tried to head clear, but Mia Roberts’ flick found its way into the net.

It was now anyone’s game and the closing stages became end-to-end.

Chances were missed, but then in the 90th minute came an amazing moment in Môn football history.

Gill launched a great free kick into the box and Cerys Gadd pounced to lash home the winner.

The Anglesey contingent went wild!

Fifth place secured, a fantastic tournament for Gregg’s Girls! Llongyfarchiadau mawr!

Ynys Môn women

Ceri Pritchard (Amlwch Town), Carol Lewis (c – Amlwch Town), Nia Ginnelly (Llangefni Town), Ellie Jones (Amlwch Town), Jen Cox (Llangefni Town), Mia Roberts (Bangor 1876), Ashleigh Jones (Trearddur Bay), Jess Jones (Llangefni Town), Charlotte Gill (Huddersfield Town), Cerys Gadd (Amlwch Town), Joanna Bramwell (Amlwch Town).

SUBS: Hannah Owen, Marissa George, Catrin George (all Llangefni Town)