Jess Jones makes it back-to-back hat-tricks as Llangefni enjoy Welsh Cup progress

BUTE ENERGY WELSH CUP QUALIFYING ROUND

Llangefni Town 5 (J Jones 11, 45+2, 66 pen; Owen OG 24, Cox 88)
Denbigh Town 2 (Bancroft 25, C Morris 87)

With a first win in the Welsh Cup behind them, Llangefni now turn their attention to the league and what could be a clash between two title contenders this Sunday when the Anglesey side visit Pwllheli.

Cefni currently top the North Wales Women’s West table with two straight victories, while a very strong Pwll squad have won their only league encounter to date.

Town lost narrowly in their two league meetings with Pwllheli last season, but that will count for nothing on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dan Gregg’s side ran out 5-2 winners over Denbigh Town in a Welsh Cup qualifying round battle at Cae Bob Parry at the weekend.

Manager Gregg named an unchanged 11 and welcomed the return of last season’s league top-scorer Jen Cox to the squad after a trip abroad.

Llangefni got off to another flyer when after 11 minutes Marissa George played in the in-form Jess Jones, who dinked a lovely finish past keeper Young to make it 1-0 to Cefni

Denbigh were forced into an early change when Emily Morris picked up a knock.

Things got worse for the visitors when a Jess Jones shot struck captain Elen James Owen and ended up in the net.

Denbigh then got a foothold in the game when Sophie Bancroft struck a lovely free kick that looped in over debutant goalkeeper Lucy Richardson.

Then came the moment of the game as Jess Jones restored the two-goal advantage before half time.

After some good work by Hannah Owen, Jones spun and hit a stunning strike into the top corner from around 25 yards leaving Young no chance.

Half-time: Llangefni 3 Denbigh 1

Denbigh came out much improved for the second half but after another injury, this time to Lucy Morris, manager Ellen Lawson had to come on to fill in.

Cox came on as a sub and within two minutes of taking the field was brought down and the ref pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Jess Jones to slot away and claim her second hat-trick in as many games.

Llangefni rang the changes and on came Lara Cain, Sharlee Owen, Cadi Rees and Kaitlin Toulmin to see the game out for the hosts.

Charlotte Morris clawed another goal back for the visitors who never stopped trying and believing.

In the 88th minute, Cox showed typical work rate and energy when she closed keeper Young down. The goalie cleared but only onto Cox’s back and the ball went over the line making it 5-2 to the islanders.

Manager Gregg said: “Pleased with today, we talked about how nice it was to be back home and how important the Welsh Cup is and I think we did the cup and Cae Bob justice today.

“A few things we can improve on, a little bit calmer in some moments, slightly tighter in midfield which to be fair we rectified at the half time break, but other than that a really good performance from the group again.

“We train hard now on Tuesday and then away to Pwhelli which will be tough, but I believe this team shines the tougher it gets.”