Match Analysis: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 v Flint Town United – Genero Adran Trophy

MATCH ANALYSIS

Genero Adran Trophy Group 2

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 1 (Chelsea Evans 46)
Flint Town United 3 (Haynes 24, Hastings 51 & 55)

After Rhyl 1879 equalised a minute into the second half on Sunday and really looked in the mood for more goals, it was hard to predict which way their coast derby against Flint was going to go.

However, for the second week running, the Silkwomen answered all the questions asked of them and went on to claim a hard-fought victory.

The previous weekend saw Flint pegged back three times against Llanfair before bagging the seventh goal of the match to seal a 4-3 triumph.

Following up on Sunday with a 3-1 success at Belle Vue made it two wins out of two for last term’s North Wales Women’s League East invincible champions since they elevated to the second-tier.

They cannot do any more than that. And with Llanfair United beating CPDM Y Felinheli 3-2 on the same afternoon, it makes Flint’s win over the Powys side seven days earlier even more impressive.

After watching them at the Essity Stadium, I believed a Llanfair side which has struggled in recent seasons had a win in them very soon. I did not expect it to be that soon, but they do look a mightier proposition under new coach D Gwynfor Edwards.

The Rhyl v Flint tie was a good contest played in very difficult conditions.

Yet again, the Silkwomen defended really well, with Charlotte Walters and Taylia Chaloner in particular outstanding for the second week running.

Still without the injured Daisy Hughes and Zoe Stopford, as well as still adjusting to the loss of key players this season, Flint have coped really well with the demands made of them.

Anyone who knows Flint will be aware 18-year-old livewire Rosie Hughes plays well every week, but at Rhyl she was exceptional.

A game needing a goal had Rosie to unlock the door in the 24th minute. Her magnificent run from the back led to a slide-rule pass that put Jennifer Haynes in for the opener.

Rosie was also involved in the second goal, feeding the ball down the left for Haynes to cross and Ruby Hastings to finish.

And what of Hastings? The team’s other 18-year-old with the initials RH.

When Flint needed to turn the tide there she was with two great finishes, the second of which was exquisite. Beautiful football in testing conditions.

Erin Heathcote looked useful and lively after coming on as a second half sub, while skipper Ruby McGilloway was busy as ever, Kaelyn Williams played some cracking passes and substitute Charlotte Xena Rose and Jasmine Edwards did solid jobs, the latter forced off with a second-half injury.

A defence which saw Alaw Jones pull out late with a calf injury was again enhanced by the adaptable India Howarth and impressive keeper Becky Bott.

As for striker Haynes, she was a true standout figure on the day, named Player of the Match by her team-mates after making it three goals in two games and providing an assist.

Rhyl worked hard, but perhaps would benefit from a striking partner for last season’s top-scorer Sade Benjamin.

The Lilywhites’ approach play was often good, but lacked an end product, Then again, they are coping without two of the team’s all-time greats Becca Bannister and Rachael Thomas at present.

Best performer for the hosts for me was Cassie Thomas, who does all the defensive duties well, but is also very much a footballer, whose skills can calm down and deliver quality in any game.

Rhyl have lost both their matches so far, but are not too much off the pace. With the likes of Chelsea Evans and Laura Williams on call with their shooting ability, and Benjamin yet to catch fire, the goals will surely come.

Grassroots North Wales Players of the Match

Flint Town United – Rosie Hughes

While I have no qualms whatsoever with Flint choosing Jennifer Haynes as their PoM, I just felt Rosie shaded it as the instigator of so many good things from start to finish and all her performance missed was a goal which will surely arrive soon.
If I could choose a top three, Jennifer Haynes and Charlotte Walters would also be in there and I was very impressed by Erin Heathcote (aka Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations) when she came on.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 – Cassie Thomas

Such a solid all-round game from Cassie. She had to deal with some lively forwards, but her ball-playing defending skills and tackling were tremendous.
She also joined the attack at times and delivered some corking balls into the box.
Chelsea Evans also impressed me with her goal and attacking mindset, while Sade Benjamin put in another great shift up front.