Ynys Môn men’s footballers beat Bermuda and are into the 2023 Island Games final!

GUERNSEY ISLAND GAMES 2023
MEN’S FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL

Ynys Môn 2 (Reynolds 23, Gregson 40)
Bermuda 0

What a team – Ynys Môn men have reached the Island Games football final for the sixth time in their history!

Mel McGinness’ side saw off Bermuda in tonight’s semi at Blanche Pierre Lane to clinch a place in tomorrow’s final against Jersey, who beat Isle of Wight 3-2 in the other last-four tussle.

Winners of the Gotland tournament of 1999, Môn were beaten finalists or finished second in 1989, 1991, 1997 and 2001.

They also won the one-off Inter-Games competition in 2019, staged on Anglesey because official Island Games hosts Gibraltar had insufficient football facilities.

Having won all three of their group games, Ynys Môn took on the Bermudans in a fiercely-fought semi this evening.

First-half goals from Cemaes Bay striker Matt Reynolds and Sam Gregson of Holyhead Hotspur clinched the win, while keeper Carl Jones saved two penalties – making it three spot-kick stops in the competition in all.

Ynys Môn started strongly, tournament top-scorer Liam Morris posing very early danger, but the opposition, a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, managed to get the ball clear.

Bermuda found their stride and won a 14th minute penalty, but Carl Jones saved Jai Bean’s kick.

Out of the blue, Anglesey took a 23rd minute lead. Morris was the provider, setting up Reynolds to finish for his second goal of the tournament.

In the 29th minute, Môn keeper Jones felled Zdao Dill in the box and may have been fortunate to see just a yellow card.

Nonetheless, Jones faced up to the penalty and yet again kept out the kick, this time taken by Ne-Jai Tucker.

Anglesey were riding their luck, but such was their determination they refused to concede.

Môn closed the half on the attack and in the 40th minute Morris broke into the box, saw his shot kept out by Andrew Kempe, but Gregson was there to convert the rebound.

Half-time: Bermuda 0 Ynys Môn 2

It could have been truly all over early in the second half when Morris hit the post.

Bermuda kept pressing, Seke Spence having a clear opportunity but chesting straight at Jones.

Play was becoming increasingly physical, but the referee maintained a sensible approach.

Môn were defending magnificently and blunted the threat of a Bermuda side which had amassed 12 goals in three group games.

The end whistle went on a famous Anglesey victory and a coveted place in the final!

YNYS MÔN

Carl Jones, Dan McGinness, Cai Powell-Roberts, Tomos Clarke, Gari Owen, Sam Gregson, Jack Walsh, Jack Smith, Matt Reynolds, Sam Jones, Liam Morris.
Subs: Gerwyn Roberts, Cian Owen.