Football

MATCH OF THE DAY: Derby joy for Rhyl 1879 after second half power show

Rosie O’Brien (white shirt) was a two-goal star for Rhyl 1879. All pictures: RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY – huge thanks Richard

GENERO ADRAN NORTH

CPD Y RHYL 1879 4 (L Williams pen 55, O’Brien 59 & 60, E Thomas pen 85)
NFA 0

Domination turned into goals in the second half as Rhyl 1879 racked up their biggest league win yet over town rivals NFA.

Still undefeated in nine meetings with the Ffordd Derwen side, the Lilywhites were held to 0-0 at half time in today’s derby at the Hops and Barley Community Stadium.

The game turned in the home side’s favour after NFA’s Kayla Hargreaves was red-carded for a last-defender foul on Rosie O’Brien in the box and Laura Williams scored from the penalty spot.

Rhyl’s Sade Benajmin and Kayla Hargreaves (light blue) of NFA tussle for the ball

The first half saw Rhyl create plenty of chances, including hitting the post three times with absolute screamers from Rachael Thomas, Laura Williams and Sade Benjamin.

They played good football at times, but frustratingly could not get the ball in the back of the net.

At the start of the second half Rhyl knew they needed goals and there were definitely goals in this game – it was all about keeping the ball better, not forcing it and being more clinical in attack.

The second half was just that,

Laura Williams scores emphatically from the spot

Rhyl produced some smart football again and were awarded a penalty when Hargreaves took O’Brien out in the box. A penalty well and truly converted by Laura Williams, who has now scored in five of Rhyl’s nine clashes with NFA.

Rhyl’s second goal came from some excellent work by Rachael Thomas running with the ball and drawing the defender to play O’Brien in one on one with the keeper and she did the rest.

Credit has to go to Benjamin for the third goal as she ran down the wing, beating several players before playing the ball across the box where O’Brien again finished nicely.

The last goal was another penalty which Eleanor Thomas confidently finished.

A great performance from Rhyl which could have produced a much bigger winning margin.

Rhyl captain Rachael Thomas in possession

LINE-UPS

Rhyl 1879

Lauren Jones (Bethan Thomas 36), Saskia Wynne-Thomas, Sophie Haywood, Cassandra Thomas, Rosie O’Brien, Laura Williams, Rachael Thomas (c), Sade Benjamin (Eleanor Thomas 75), Chelsea Evans. Alicia Duke (Ellie Wilkinson 63), Jazmine Mollatt.

NFA

Courtney Ingram, Kayla Hargreaves, Mogan Pursell, Kelci Morris (N/A 46), Georgia Williams (c – N/A 75), Chloe Evans (Claire Smedley 55), Molly Brown, Cadie Griffiths (Libby McClelland 70), Amy Webster (N/A 70), N/A, Cerys Foston