Happy birthday to midfielder Chelsea Evans of CPD Y Rhyl 1879

Chelsea (white shirt) on the ball against Felinheli. Picture: RICHARD BATES

Happy birthday to Chelsea Evans – 26 today.

Midfielder Chelsea is in her second season with Tier 2 Genero Adran North club CPD Y Rhyl 1879, who she joined early in 2022-23.

She has played a part in many fine wins for the Lilywhites, including last Sunday’s 2-1 beating of title hopefuls Connah’s Quay Nomads at an emotion-charged Belle Vue.

One of her best moments in an 1879 shirt so far came in February 2023, when she scored a last-gasp stunner to earn her team a 4-3 victory over Airbus UK Broughton.

Chelsea has made 32 appearances for Rhyl, scoring two goals, her other one coming in an 8-0 win in the NWCFA Challenge Cup at Trearddur Bay this season.

A right-midfielder who can also operate on the left, Greenfield-based Chelsea represented Mostyn Dragons and Blacon Youth Girls before committing to Northop Hall, where she spent a number of seasons.

Chelsea had some really happy times at Northop Hall alongside former team-mate Rebecca Hughes

She was a member of the celebrated 2017-18 Hall squad which won the North Wales Women’s League title and NEWFA Cup double, playing alongside club greats like Laura Pennington and Laura Eagles.

After that unforgettable campaign, Northop Hall were forced to rebuild after the summer of 2018 brought a change of manager and numerous player departures.

Times got tough for the club, but Chelsea remained part of things until her switch to Rhyl.

A former Holywell High School pupil, Chelsea’s main strength is picking out a pass and crossing, and she pops up with an occasional goal.

Her grandfather Robin was a founder of CPD Glantraeth on Anglesey in 1984, dad Paul represented numerous Ynys Môn clubs in his career and is now joint-manager at North East Wales League Premier Division side Greenfield.