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Genero Adran North: Rhyl 1879 victorious in town derby

Rhyl No7 Rosie O’Brien takes evasive action as NFA goalkeeper Courtney Ingram gathers the ball. Picture: RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY

GENERO ADRAN NORTH – SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

NFA 1 (Webster 90+13)
CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2 (Bannister 61, Mollatt 88)

Two second half goals were enough to earn Rhyl 1879 a first win of the season in Genero Adran North.

Opponents NFA remain winless and sit bottom of the table with just a single point.

Today’s encounter at Ffordd Derwen was what is to be expected from a local derby.

Due to the recent weather, the pitch conditions weren’t great and Rhyl struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.

The visitors created chances but all their efforts went straight to the hands of NFA goalkeeper Courtney Ingram.

Just before half time Rhyl produced a good passing movement which resulted in Sade Benjamin finding the net, but she was ruled offside.

Rhyl captain Rachael Thomas (white) comes up against NFA’s Libby McClelland and Kelci Morris. Picture: RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY – MANY THANKS

If 1879 were to extend their unbeaten run against NFA to eight matches, they knew they needed to step it up a gear in the second 45.

Rhyl’s opening scorer Becca Bannister (8) goes for goal

The Lilywhites started the second half much better and dominated large amounts of possession by passing and moving the ball.

On 61 minutes, Rhyl finally found a breakthrough after some excellent play down the right hand side before Laura Williams lofted a fantastic pass to the back post where Becca Bannister fired home.

Rhyl kept the momentum going, however they struggled and lacked composure at times again failing to seriously test the keeper.

Rhyl match-winner Jaz Mollatt (white) tussles for possession

However, in the 88th minute a crucial second away goal arrived. Jaz Mollatt ran with the ball into the box, took on a few opponents and got her shot off to make it a well deserved 2-0. It was the 16-year-old’s first league goal for Rhyl.

There was a considerable amount of added time and NFA’s Amy Webster scored a well taken goal from a free kick in the closing stages.

A big plus for Rhyl was the return of defender Saskia Wynne Thomas on 70 minutes after a six-month injury lay-off.

NFA

Courtney Ingram, Claire Smedley, N/A, Megan Pursell, Kelci Morris, Georgia Williams (c), Cadie Griffiths, Amy Webster, N/A, Cerys Foston, Libby McClelland. Subs: Chloe Evans, N/A, N/A,

Rhyl 1879

Loz Jones. Sophie Heywood, Cassandra Thomas, Rosie O’Brien, Rebecca Bannister, Laura Williams, Rachael Thomas (c), Sade Benjamin, Chelsea Evans. Alicia Duke, Jaz Mollatt. Subs used: Saskia Wynne-Thomas.