Match of Day: Llandudno 5 CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2

GENERO ADRAN NORTH MATCH REPORT – NOVEMBER 26

Llandudno 5 (Williams 29, Tradewell 40, Davies 43, E Jones 55 & 81)
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2 (Benjamin 67, Williams 76)

After taking a three-goal lead into the break Llandudno were given a much tougher test in a second half which saw Rhyl make their mark on a cracking coastal derby.

The hosts had to wait until the 29th minute to end the deadlock, Stevie Donougher and Kelsey Davies combining well before the former drilled the ball across goal for Maddie Williams to tap home.

Five minutes before the break Stacey Tradewell made it 2-0 with a 20-yard free-kick which arrowed into the top-right corner

There was time for another home goal prior to the interval, Jasmin Dutton taking a run down the left before crossing into Kelsey Davies, whose deflected strike made it 3-0.

Nineteen-year-old Ella Jones, who recently returned from a long-term injury, made it four goals in two matches with a second half double.

Her first came on 55 minutes. Great play from the hosts led to a scramble in the box, Williams winning the ball before finding Jones to reach out and slot it home.

Rhyl were far from disheartened and began to make an impact on the game.

In the 67th minute, Sade Benjamin used her speed to latch onto a through ball from Cassie Thomas and find the net for her 15th goal of the season.

Nine minutes later, Laura Williams bagged her fifth goal in as many games from a superb trademark free kick.

Llandudno needed another to see off the Rhyl revival and it came on 81 minutes.

Tradewell launched the ball to the right wing where Erin Doran collected and passed to Ella Jones, who hit a quick shot from 20 yards into the top corner.

Kelsey Davies was Llandudno player of the match, while all the Rhyl ladies performed well with keeper Loz Jones a stand-out.

Rhyl 1879 player-manager Cassie Thomas said after the game: “It’s not very often you smile after a loss in football, but today was different.

“I am so proud of all my players, every single one of them battled until the final whistle. At 3-0 down it’s very easy to give in but today the girls showed true character and second half they delivered a superb performance scoring two fantastic goals and at times playing some lovely football.

“Today’s performance shows me what they are capable of and we will look to take this into next week’s (Genero Adran Trophy) game against TNS.”