Great cup tie ends in penalty drama: Kinmel Bay v NFA

NEWFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP ROUND ONE

Kinmel Bay 2 (J Jones 42, Kepil 45+3)
NFA 2 (Webster 47, Mills 63)
(NFA won 4-3 on penalties)

NFA avoided a second cup elimination at the hands of lower-league opposition this season when they fought back from 2-0 down to beat Kinmel Bay on penalties at Bastion Gardens, Prestatyn.

The Rhyl-based visitors had exited the NWCFA Challenge Cup on spot-kicks at Tier 3 Llanystumdwy at the start of September, but there was to be no repeat disappointment for the Tier 2 Genero Adran North outfit on this occasion in the NEWFA Challenge Cup.

Tier 3 North Wales Women’s League East side Kinmel Bay, who have returned to competitive football this term, took the lead three minutes before the break through former Llandudno player Jess Jones.

In added time at the end of the half, consistent goal-getter Jasmine Kepil doubled the home lead.

If NFA were to recover the situation they needed an early goal in the second half for a timely boost, and they achieved just that when Amy Webster halved the deficit, Grace Bamber with the assist.

In the 63rd minute it was 2-2, Jess Mills on target, set up by Jade Scott.

It was now anyone’s tie, and to Kinmel Bay’s credit they were far from disheartened at losing their lead, instead going all out for the winner.

They had chances, but were unable to take them, so it was down to pens and NFA edged it 4-3 in the shoot out.

Both sides deserve plaudits for producing a great derby cup-tie.

Kinmel Bay manager Naomii Oakley said after the game: “Super proud of the ladies tonight. Each and every one of our players should be proud of the performance and effort put into tonight’s game.

“First half saw us 2-0 up with Jess Jones scoring first, then Jasmine Kepil scoring not long after.

“Second half NFA managed to score 2 goals. This did not stop our ladies determination with us being through on goal but unfortunately just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net.

“A few injuries happened in the second half to some of our players, luckily nothing major.

“The Bay managed to keep the momentum and full time 2-2.

“The nominated penalty takers were Jess Jones, Tasha Standing, Jasmine Kepil, Sarah Williams, Elin Jones and Amy Chesters.

“Excellent work ladies, really positive performance against a team in the league above. You should all be proud of yourselves.”

KINMEL BAY

Shelby Wild
Jen Small
Jess Jones
N/A
Georgia Williams
Lucy Perry (c)
Jasmine Kepil
Seren Williams
Natasha Standing
Sarah Williams
Alys Marsh-Hughes
SUBS USED
Amy Chesters
N/A
Millie Sargent
Elin Jones

NFA

Katie Spruce
Claire Smedley
Jess Mills
N/A
N/A
Caitlin Hadaway
Jade Scott
Amy Webster
Charlie Badham
Libby McClelland
Kayla Hargreaves
SUBS USED
Grace Bamber
Georgia Williams
Lois Roberts

Referee
Cory Wellbeloved