Birthday girl Kelsey delivers herself the perfect present – a hat-trick in an 8-3 win!
GENERO ADRAN NORTH
Llandudno 8 (K Davies 2, 12 & 39, Elin Jones OG 4, E Jones 9 & 52, Doran 33, Williams 50)
CPDM Bangor 3 (M Evans 4, S Macdonald 59, M Roberts 61)
A birthday hat-trick and your team move six points clear at the league summit – Kelsey Davies will probably remember the date February 11, 2024 with plenty of affection.
A former Wales international up to under-19 level, Sunday saw Kelsey knock in a treble on her 27th birthday in Llandudno’s 8-3 triumph over CPDM Bangor at the OPS Wind Arena.
Tudno were 6-1 up at half time, but a determined effort from the visitors made the second 45 minutes a much closer contest.
There was a goal-packed start to the game, Davies rocketing a shot into the net via an Erin Doran assist in just the second minute.
In no time, an unfortunate own goal against stand-in keeper Elin Jones made it 2-0.
Bangor hit back almost immediately with a breakaway goal scored by Menna Evans following a long clearance and assist by keeper Jones.
In the ninth minute it was 3-1, Ella Jones perfectly placing her strike into the bottom corner.
With just 12 minutes played, Becky Jarvis-Evans found Davies, who beautifully slotted away her second.
Two fantastic saves from visitors keeper Jones denied Tudno a fifth before Doran’s missile rattled the crossbar.
Finally, in the 33rd minute ir was 5-1, Doran receiving the ball on the left hand side 30 yards out and lashing into the top corner
And before the interval, Davies supplied another clinical finish to make it a birthday hat-trick, Jasmin Dutton with the assist.
Five minutes into the second half, substitute Maddie Williams slotted home and by the 52nd minute Llandudno’s scoring was done, Sofie Owen setting up Ella Jones for a wonderful finish, making it nine goals in seven games for the 19-year-old.
Bangor then decided it was their turn to add some goals to the party.
A superbly struck 35 yard free kick into the top corner by Seren Macdonald and a cool right-footed finish into the bottom corner by Mia Roberts made it 8-3 after 61 minutes.
After 11 goals in just over an hour, there were none in the final half-hour plus!
It was not for the want of trying by the hosts, Doran thwarted by another superb Elin Jones stop.
AFTER MATCH VIEW – CPDM BANGOR COACH ANDREW “LEFTY” WRIGHT
“As the saying goes, the table doesn’t lie and heading over to the OPS Wind Arena to face top of the table Llandudno was always going to be a tough ask… so going 4-1 down after 12 minutes, most teams would crumble altogether.
“Early nerves and tactical flaws and naivety from the coaching staff didn’t help our cause, but with a bit of tweaking here and there we finished the first half 6-1.
“With the first half put to bed and a good honest chat at half time, the girls put on a terrific performance in the second half. We are a developing squad and always learning and today was a big test for us all and as always the team gave everything right till the end.
“Lots of positives to take from the match, notably scoring 3 against the league leaders when we’d only scored 5 in the league before today… and also another debut for one of the U17s squad with Jennifer Jones coming off the bench.
“This season has always been about development and trying to compete and hold our own in Tier 2 and the girls certainly showed plenty of character again today, especially with captain Becca Elliot missing through injury and defender Elin Jones having to help out between the sticks.
“Being the first team all season to score 3 goals against the league leaders proved that this very young Bangor team have a togetherness and a lot of potential. There are signs of more to come as they continue to grow together.
“There was no doubt that Llandudno deserved the win. However, Bangor’s commitment was obvious and their willingness to persevere and not give up, demonstrated that on their day, will provide any team a challenge.”