Under-16 Welsh Girls Cup: Kinmel Bay’s seven-goal stars storm into final

BUTE ENERGY UNDER-16 WELSH CUP SEMI-FINAL

Talycopa AFC Under-16s 2 (Stephens, Short)
Kinmel Bay Under-15s 7 (Walsh 6, Tonks)

Kinmel Bay Under-15s stormed into the 2023-24 FAW Under-16 Welsh Girls Cup final with a sensational 7-2 victory over the ever-strong Talycopa at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, this afternoon.

Star of the show was Lexi Walsh, whose six goals in a national cup semi-final will secure her place in the North Wales football history books.

Frank Standing, Kelly Prior and Paul Denton’s side were in magnificent form as they set up a date with Cardiff Wanderers Under-16 Reds in next month’s final.

The current Kinmel Bay side have emulated the girls of 2011-12, who made it all the way to the Under-16 Welsh Cup final, losing out to a formidable Cardiff City side.

That team of 2012 included Welsh internationals Emilie Revitt, Louisha Doran, Georgia Williams and Kelsey Davies, all of whom went to play at a high senior level.

Now the squad of 2024 will have their chance to go one better and become the latest North Wales team to lift the Welsh Girls Under-16 Cup.

Caernarfon Town (2014), Prestatyn Girls (2015) and Penrhyn Bay (2019) have all won the FAW cup within the past 10 years. Penrhyn were also runners-up in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Before defeating Talycopa, Kinmel Bay had knocked out Caernarfon Town 6-2, CPD Henllan (penalties), and Ystradgynlais 5-0 to qualify for the semis.

Top scorer Walsh, who now has a phenomenal 52 goals from just 13 appearances this season, and 13 in three Welsh Cup ties, got Kinmel off to an absolute flyer at Park Avenue with a three-minute hat-trick, netting on 16, 18 and 19 minutes.

Abbie Tonks made it 4-0 after 36 before shellshocked Talycopa replied through Sophie Stephens before the break.

When Annie Short cut the arrears to 4-2 from a Stephens assist five minutes into the second half, a remarkable comeback temporarily looked on the cards.

However, Walsh struck again on 51, 70 and 78 to complete a double hat-trick and send Kinmel Bay into the final in dazzling style.

What a credit to North Wales these girls are!

KINMEL BAY

Hannah Topham
Lexie McEvoy (c)
N/A
Phoenix Carey
Evie Prior
Baileigh Aaron
Abbie Tonks
Molly Williams
Gracie Sutton
Scarlett Gregson
Lexi Walsh
SUBS
N/A
N/A

FAW UNDER-16 GIRLS CUP LIST OF WINNERS

2022/23: Barry Town United
2021/22: Cardiff City Ladies
2020/21: Barry Town United Ladies
2019/20: Final not played
2018/19: Penrhyn Bay Girls & Women
2017/18: Barry Town United Ladies
2016/17: Rhydyfelin
2015/16: Cardiff City Ladies
2014/15: Prestatyn Girls
2013/14: Caernarfon Town
2012/13: Cardiff City Ladies
2011/12: Cardiff City Ladies
2010/11: Information unavailable
2009/10: Information unavailable
2008/09: Cardiff City Ladies
2007/08: Cardiff City Ladies