FAW Women’s Welsh Cup & North Wales League – former golf ace hits four goals on debut
BUTE ENERGY WOMEN’S WELSH CUP
Welshpool Town 0 NFA 11
Former Welsh golf international Melanie Peake proved her worth with a football as she scored four goals on her debut for Rhyl-side NFA.
In what was believed to be her first game of football in 25 years, the new player delivered a different type of “fore” to help her team gain a much-needed victory.
Facing tier 3 newcomers Welshpool, the tier 2 NFA would have been expected to win, but the scoreline will have pleased them most.
Jessica Mills added a hat-trick for the visitors, Megan Pursell struck twice and there was a goal apiece for Kelci Morris and Georgia Williams.
Welshpool report….
A first home game for the Powys side was a tough match for the hosts.
Visitors NFA arrived with a point to prove after a few tough results.
The Rhyl outfit started strong and got stronger – with very few positives for the home side in the first half.
The second half saw a much improved home showing, with debuts for Pool coming off the bench and make a much more competitive half.
Ultimately the class of NFA showed as they kept on pressing forward and coming away with a goal every time they’d been put under pressure – fantastic counter attacking football.
The Pool will take this one on the chin, playing a side a league above and once again, not throwing in the towel. Notable mentions for the home side were standout performances by Jo Bliss-Bennett and Nat Rowley, who didn’t look out of place against the north coast opponents.
Welshpool coach Gwynfor Edwards said “We knew it was going to be a tough day, but they stuck together- and kept fighting;
“We know it’s going to take us a few games to get ourselves to where we want to be, but the squad is growing every week, and as more of our players gain experience, I expect us to go on a run at some point.
“We’ve tried a few things out now and we know what our strengths and weaknesses are. The players are working hard and when it clicks, it will be magnificent for them.”
CPDM Bangor 2 Airbus UK Broughton 0
This all-tier 2 clash at Nantporth Stadium saw Bangor run out deserved winners.
Both their goals came in the second half, from Menna Evans on 42 minutes and Gwen Roberts after 57.
Macdonald twins, Seren and Cerys, providing an assist apiece.
Llangefni Town 5 Denbigh Town 2
Report: Ollie Williams
Jess Jones added another hat-trick to her early season collection in today’s Welsh Cup success for Llangefni.
Denbigh manager Ellen Lawson had to make five changes to the side that faced Flint a week previously as Charlotte Morris and Sophie Bancroft came in whilst debuts were handed to Alaw Jones, Lowri Claybrook and Beth Kell. Meanwhile, manager Lawson was named on the bench alongside Megan Edwards for the first time.
The first chance of the game fell to Denbigh as Lucy Morris saw an opportunity open up on the edge of the box but could not keep her effort from going over.
Moments later, Cefni’s Jess Jones beat the offside trap and calmly lobbed goalkeeper Young. The lead was doubled on 24 minutes when Town skipper Elen Owen unfortunately turned the ball into her own net.
Not to be disheartened Denbigh fought to get back into the game, and just a minute later Bancroft finished superbly to halve the deficit.
As the first half drew to a close each side had chances with Young making a fine save before Kell’s effort from range almost caught out Lucy Richardson from 20 yards.
In stoppage time Llangefni extended their lead, as Jones hit one from the edge of the box leaving Young with no chance.
Half-Time: Llangefni Town 3-1 Denbigh Town
The second half saw chances limited in the opening exchange but Town were made to deal with a second injury of the afternoon. Emily Morris was forced off in the first half and replaced by Edwards and now manager Lawson stepped up due to a head injury to Lucy Morris on the hour mark.
Once play resumed goalkeeper Young was once again called upon to make a brilliant save at full stretch but moments later she was given little chance as Bancroft impeded an attacker handing the home side a penalty. On a hat-trick, Jess Jones stepped up and made no mistake.
Despite being three goals down Denbigh did not give in, Edwards forced Richardson into a fine stop with a curling effort from the edge of the box on 70 minutes, before hitting the bar a minute later.
Edwards again had a pop this time finding the crossbar before Charlotte Morris finished the rebound to make it a nervy ending.
However, a minute later Llangefni buried the tie when Young’s clearance cannoned in off Jennifer Cox.
CPD Pwllheli 4 Kinmel Bay 1
Two goals apiece from Magi Hughes and Lois Thomas secured Pwllheli a place in the next stage.
Hughes broke the deadlock on 21 minutes and added a second soon after.
Thomas made it 3-0 on 32, Hughes with the assist.
Ten minutes into the second half, Thomas notched Pwllheli’s fourth, but Kinmel Bay never gave up and grabbed a deserved consolation goal through their player of the match Jasmine Kepil following good work from Georgia Williams.
NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE EAST
Berriew 1 Bellevue 2
Another good three points for Bellevue at the expense of league newcomers Berriew.
Jade Bowe scored for the visitors on 26 minutes and Samantha Jones made it four in two matches by adding another after 48.
Ellie Davies replied for the home side.
NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE WEST
CPD Merched Tref Caernarfon 1 Llanystumdwy 2 (match abandoned)
This game was abandoned on 85 minutes due to an injury to Llanystumdwy captain Tash Matthews.
The skipper needed hospital treatment but was later discharged. We wish her well.
Nia Jones and Ellie Williams had scored Llan’s goals. News is awaited on whether the match will need to be replayed.
NEWFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP
Connah’s Quay Nomads 4 CPDM Y Felinheli 1
Holders Nomads stay on course for a third successive NEWFA Women’s Challenge Cup success in a row after seeing off Y Felinheli.
Sophie Hodson, Phoebe Ellis, Elana Harley and Sophie Adams provided the home goals after Sioned Phillips had given the visitors a 21st minute lead.