Adran North – CPD Y Rhyl 1879 0 Llandudno 4 – Sofie’s super sizzler dazzles Belle Vue

GENERO ADRAN NORTH – JANUARY 14, 2024

CPD Y RHYL 1879 0
LLANDUDNO 4 (S Roberts 37, M Williams 57, S Owen 62, K Davies 64)

Captain Sofie Owen’s 40-yard stunner provided the main highlight of a victory which lifted Llandudno to top spot in the Genero Adran North on goal difference.

With previous leaders Connah’s Quay Nomads spectacularly losing their 100 percent record in a 4-0 home thrashing by CPDM Y Felinheli. the Seasiders leapfrogged the Deesiders into pole position.

While Tudno were clear winners at Belle Vue, credit to a Rhyl side missing a few key players for defending exceptionally well at times with goalkeeper Bethan Thomas outstanding.

All the early action took place in the Rhyl half, the first opportunity seeing Stevie Donougher’s firm shot well saved by Thomas.

The Lilywhites’ first attack on 17 minutes could have produced a goal. Sade Benjamin’c corner to the near post had the visitors struggling to clear and Chelsea Evans’ on target shot was blocked.

Tudno should have taken the lead when Donougher and Maddie Williams combined nicely, but Ella Jones ballooned over the bar.

Thomas then smothered bravely at the feet of Donougher and neither Williams or Jones could convert the rebound as the hosts again defended stubbornly.

The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute. Donougher slid the ball beautifully into the path of defender Shona Roberts, whose precise finish made it 1-0.

The introduction of experienced campaigners Stacey Tradewell and Kelsey Davies for the second half, added to Llandudno’s potency going forward.

Tradewell so nearly netted a sublime goal when she let fly from 35 yards, but Thomas produced a magnificent tip over.

In the 59th minute Tradewell delivered a cross into the box and although Thomas got a hand to Maddie Williams’ header she could not prevent the ball finding the net.

Llandudno were now in a golden spell and on 63 minutes the whole team celebrated wildly as popular skipper Owen’s long range beauty dipped under the bar for 3-0.

Soon after, Roberts’ superb cross from the right was volleyed in by Davies, making it three goals in five minutes for the Seasiders.

At this point Rhyl could have capitulated, but they didn’t. The hosts got back to defending their lines really well.

Sub Gwen Roberts was through for Tudno, Thomas made her umpteeth fine save of the day, and Roberts’ follow-up was deflected wide for a corner.

There was almost a consolation for Rhyl.

Substitute Amy Woodbridge smartly flicked a header into the path of top-scorer Benjamin, whose powerful right-foot effort flew wide.

So a great afternoon for Llandudno, but also a performance from Rhyl which featured many positives.

RHYL

Bethan Thomas, Saskia Wynne-Thomas, Cassie Thomas, Hana Eagles, Rosie O’Brien, Becca Bannister (C), Eleanor Thomas, Laura Williams, Sade Benjamin, Chelsea Evans. Llio Davies. SUBS USED: Amy Woodbridge, Imogen Williams, Ella Simcox.

LLANDUDNO

Meg Robinson, Shona Roberts, Sioned Phillips, Rebecca Jarvis-Evans, Maddie Williams, Stevie Donougher, Ella Jones, Sofie Owen (c), Erin Doran, Cat Jones, Ffion Owen. SUBS USED: Kelsey Davies, Stacey Tradewell, Gwen Roberts, Nikita Jones, Claire Colville.