This one was for you Karen – Denbigh put on a great show in honour of much-missed friend

NEWFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP

Denbigh Town 9 (Purvis 3, Kell 2, Claybrook, James-Owen, Edwards, C Morris)

Bellevue 0

Report: Ollie Williams

Before kick-off at Central Park a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Karen Coates, a major driving force in the development of women’s football in Denbigh who sadly passed away last week.

Opponents Bellevue played their part in the tribute impeccably, presenting a wreath in respect of a much-loved and sadly missed footballing pioneer and community unsung hero.

The home side went on to give a performance which Karen would no doubt have been extremely proud of as they rattled up a 9-0 cup win on an emotional afternoon.

Goals from Ceri Purvis (3), Bethany Kell (2), Lowri Claybrook, Elen James-Owen, Megan Edwards and Charlotte Morris sealed an emphatic home win

Within eight minutes Denbigh had the lead. After beating the same opposition 6-2 seven days previously in the league, Town went a goal up when James-Owen hit a superb strike from distance.

On 16 minutes the lead was doubled as Kell was let loose down the middle before prodding the ball past the goalkeeper. A minute later Purvis had the first of a trio for herself from close range.

Purvis made it a double with 22 minutes gone as she rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly to put Town in full control.

Bellevue continued to put up a fight and improved as the game went on, carving out a couple of chances but nothing in reality troubled Young between the sticks.

As the half came to a close Kell notched her first to send the sides in to the break with five goals the difference and a real task for the visitors in the second period.

Half-Time: Denbigh 5-0 Bellevue

With less than 10 minutes played in the second half Town had another. This time it was Claybrook who swung a corner in that the keeper couldn’t deal with and it found its way into the back of the net.

Claybrook’s first goal for the club was richly deserved after some impressive performances since signing in the summer.

Edwards was next to find the net with 20 to play when she was dispatched down the left before striking across goal to finish well to open her account at Central Park.

With five minutes to play Denbigh refused to take their foot off the gas. First of all Purvis completed her hat-trick with a low finish before less than a minute later substitute Charlotte Morris finished following a superb cross from her sister, Lucy, from the right.

It finished off a tremendous game with Town banking back-to-back wins in a fitting tribute to a woman who means so much to Denbigh.

Town are next in action next Sunday at home to Berriew in the NWWFL East.

Denbigh Town Ladies: Young, Duff, Thomas, Kell, Claybrook, James-Owen, E.Jones, Purvis, S.Jones, Edwards, E.Morris. Subs: Lawson, C.Morris, L.Morris, Cooper

Llangefni Town A Caernarfon Town A

(abandoned 80+ mins due to an injury- Llangefni led 3-1)