Match Analysis: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 v Llandudno – two teams at different stages of progress

MATCH ANALYSIS

CPD Y RHYL 1879 0
LLANDUDNO 6

GENERO ADRAN NORTH – SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Six-goal Llandudno laid down a marker which suggested they will not give up their Genero Adran North title without a fight this season.

Aiming for a third championship in four tier 2 campaigns, Tudno began their 2024-25 schedule with a 6-0 away caning of Rhyl 1879.

It is never pleasant to describe a match as one-sided, especially when you hold both teams in such high regard, but the only surprise on Sunday was that the visitors did not win by more.

Had it not been for Lilywhites keeper, the excellent Bethan Thomas, Llandudno would have hit double figures.

But let’s put things into perspective. Llandudno are on the whole a very experienced side with a championship-winning mentality.

Rhyl 1879 are still a team learning to adapt to the demands of tier 2, and apart from a difficult start to this season, they have done well so far.

Let’s not forget the Lilywhites are without a number of key players. Influential midfielder Becca Bannister is yet to appear this term, while key defender Saskia Wynne Thomas is on the injured list.

Outstanding midfield maestro and captain Rachael Thomas is only just finding her feet on a football field again after giving birth and they are in need of an experienced striking partner alongside the prolific Sade Benjamin.

With a couple more additions, better luck with injuries and the return to full fitness of important players, the Lilywhites should settle well.

Llandudno were strong all over the park on Sunday. They passed the ball smartly at times, built up nicely from the back and possessed true pace and finishing ability up front.

Kelsey Davies was magnificent. The former Wales U19 international scored twice, produced two assists and outpaced the home defence on numerous occasions.

Young Ella Jones looked sharp and showed great intelligence up front, although perhaps her finishing could have been more lethal.

Maddie Williams was so composed on the ball, fed some lovely passes and was always getting into dangerous positions, adding another pair of goals to her collection.

Experienced trio Jasmin Dutton, Rebecca Jarvis-Evans and Sofie Owen were immense, while Gwen Roberts, Shona Roberts, Cat Jones and Mia Roberts had many good moments. Goalkeeper Meg Robinson simply did not have a single save to make.

To challenge for the title again, Llandudno may need a couple of additions and a more varied bench if they are to push the likes of Connah’s Quay, who have already defeated the Seasiders in the Adran Trophy, and have assembled a very capable squad.

Sunday’s game at Belle Vue was not the red-hot derby contest we all wanted as both teams are at different stages of progress.

Llandudno are established and familiar with each other, while Rhyl are still adapting and aiming to strengthen their tier 2 status.

TEAMS

Rhyl 1879

Bethan Thomas, Sophie Haywood (Jasmine Mollatt 18 – Amy Woodbridge 85)), Cassie Thomas, Rosie O’Brien, Eleanor Thomas, Laura Williams, Rachael Thomas (c), Sade Benjamin, Alicia Duke (Ella Simcox 46), Chloe Evans (Ellie Wilkinson 46), Llio Davies.

Llandudno

Meg Robinson, Shona Roberts, Mia Roberts (Caitlin Hadaway 71), Jasmin Dutton, Rebecca Jarvis-Evans, Gwen Roberts, Maddie Williams, Ella Jones, Sofie Owen, Kelsey Davies, Cat Jones.

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

Rhyl 1879 – Bethan Thomas

Fantastic shot-stopping display from the experienced keeper who must have made at least six top-class saves over the 90 minutes.

Llandudno – Kelsey Davies

Unplayable at times. Two goals, two assists and on a different level pace and skill-wise.