Llanystumdwy stun NFA in surprise NWCFA Women’s Challenge Cup shoot-out victory

Goalkeeper Sara Lacey was Llanystumdwy’s hero. Picture: DAI SINCLAIR

North Wales Coast Women’s Challenge Cup

CPD Llanystumdwy 1 (Cynan 25)
NFA 1 (Webster 1)
(Llanystumdwy won 3-2 on pens)

Goalkeeper Sara Lacey was a true hero as Llanystumdwy reached the semi-finals of the NWCFA Challenge Cup after possibly the greatest win in their short history.

The tier 3 Gwynedd side overcame the challenge of Rhyl-based NFA, who have been promoted to tier 2 this season, on a penalty shootout, Lacey saving two kicks.

In all fairness, it was a tough ask for the visitors to make an almost 110-mile round trip on a week night, but to their credit they travelled with a 15-member squad.

NFA started well, Amy Webster giving them a first-minute lead, but Llan levelled on 25 when a Jo Cynan cross ended up in the net – possibly an own goal, but it was credited to the home player.

No further goals so it went to pens. Jess Williams, Yssy Duncan and Heledd Savage found the net for Llanystumdwy, while Lacey kept out two to send Sion Parry’s team into the last four.

Despite losing last season’s two top scorers, Grace Mpuku, who is current on a long injury lay-off and Hana Wellings, who has signed for CPDM Y Felinheli, Llan have begun 2023-24 with a 3-3 draw at Trearddur Bay and now beaten NFA in the cup.

New signing Elwen Evans, team founder and former player at Llangefni Town, made her debut for Llan as a second-half substitute.