Llandudno’s women one win away from league title

GENERO ADRAN NORTH

Airbus UK Broughton 1 (Pratt 62)
Llandudno 3 (M Williams 31, S Roberts 54, C Colville 79)

One of the most popular goals scored by a Llandudno player in many a year edged the Seasiders a step nearer to a second Genero Adran North League title in three seasons.

Veteran Claire Colville, 45, whose game time has been very limited in recent campaigns due to injuries, came on as late substitute, and within three minutes had made it 3-1 to the visitors.

A hard-earned victory for the Seasiders at Airbus put them six points clear at the summit of the Tier 2 league..

Due to a huge goal difference advantage, a point at second-place Felinheli next Sunday should be enough to clinch Tudno the title, although a win would make absolutely sure.

Top played bottom on Sunday at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium in what appeared on paper an away banker.

Airbus set up with a sense of purpose and backed themselves with unbounding energy and terrific belief.

Llandudno had the majority of the possession but few clear chances presented themselves.

It was no great surprise that the first goal was scored off a set piece such was the scraps the visitors were feeding off. A great corner by Stacey Tradewell was converted at the back post by Maddie Williams after 31 minutes.

This ensured the table-toppers went in one-up at the break.

In the second half there were more away chances, but Airbus looked dangerous themselves on the break.

However, Tudno made it 2-0 on 54 minutes when Ella Jones on the right delivered a great cross for Shona Roberts to finish from two yards.

Airbus kept the pressure on and as a reward for their press they exploited a mistake at the back and pulled one back on 62 minutes through lively attacker Laura Pratt.

The game was fairly even still at this stage with Llandudno having more possession but Airbus threatening on the counter.

With the Wingmakers putting numbers up front, it was from a breakaway that Llandudno made it 3-1 on 79 minutes.

Substitute Claire Colville, involved in some rare action due to a depleted squad, dribbled past the oncoming goalkeeper and put the ball into an empty net. Cue boisterous celebrations.

More opportunities followed for Llandudno, but they were not taken.

Airbus challenged determinedly for the 90 minutes and worked really well out of possession. Titles are won by grinding out results when opposing teams cause and create problems; today was one such day.

A great performance from players on both sides with Llandudno beating a spirited Airbus, who are better than their basement position suggests, having pushed a number of teams close this season.