Rhyl hit eight but Trearddur Bay take plenty of positives from defeat

North Wales Coast Women’s Challenge Cup

Trearddur Bay 0

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 8 (Benjamin 3, E Thomas, Bannister, Evans)

Report: Trearddur Bay

Sade Benjamin maintained her flying start to the season with a hat-trick in Wednesday’s Challenge Cup victory at Lon Isallt.

Hosts Trearddur Bay won the toss and decided to swap sides to try and avoid the beaming sun.

The game got off to a good start, with Trearddur playing a new formation introduced by their new manager.

They were caught out in the eighth minute when Rhyl played a ball through which was finished well by Benjamin.

Bay settled into the game well and minimised Rhyl’s chances, the visitors limited to one attempt hitting the post.

Trearddur had some chances too, the best coming from a free kick taken by Gemma Thomas looking for captain Ashleigh Jones, who pulled her volley just wide.

The hosts kept it tight for the remainder of the half, defending well. Special mention to Rhian Griffith, who played really well in a new position in front of the defence.

Rhyl went 2-0 up through Benjamin with the last kick of the first half.

Trearddur Bay made some changes at half time.

Goalkeeper Georgia Magee, who had made some fine saves in the first half, was swapped with other gloveswoman Gemma Lancaster. Shelley McMullan was replaced with Lia Huws and Freya Davies was brought off after a blow to the head, Cari Roberts coming on instead.

Rhyl pushed on and played some good football, netting a few goals in quick succession.

Benjamin completed a treble, with Eleanor Thomas, Chelsea Evans and Becca Bannister sharing the rest.

Trearddur kept battling to try and get a goal themselves, and passed and moved really well at times. They won a few corners but could not capitalise.

Bay will take lots of positives from the game, ready to face Amlwch Town in the league on Sunday.