Betty Pickering Cup: Hat-tricks for Chesters and Kell in Kinmel Bay and Denbigh victories

BETTY PICKERING CUP GROUP ONE REPORTS – FEBRUARY 2

Caernarfon Town 0
Kinmel Bay 5 (Chesters 3, S Williams pen, Mamwell)

Amy Chesters notched her third hat-trick of the season for Kinmel Bay, who advanced to the opening round of the Shield after an emphatic revenge win over a Caernarfon side which beat them 3-2 in the Betty Pickering seven days earlier.

Bay delivered a commanding performance as they stormed to a 5-0 victory in their last group stage fixture. From the first whistle at Ysgol Bontnewydd, they asserted their dominance, pressing high and controlling possession to set the tempo of the game.

The opening goal came early in the seventh minute, a result of relentless pressure.

A well-worked move down the centre saw a pinpoint pass from Seren Williams into the box, where Chesters calmly slotted home.

The momentum continued, with the midfield dictating play and the defence standing firm against any counter-attacks.

Before the break, Kinmel Bay doubled their lead. A moment of brilliance from Elin Jones saw her dribble past two players, take the shot that forced a decent save from the keeper before Chesters placed the ball from the rebound into the back of the net.

This was closely followed by the home team finding a way through the Kinmel defence, forcing a fingertip save by Kinmel Bay’s Shelby Wild.

Shortly before the half time whistle, Caernarfon captain Lisa Jones pushed a great attack towards the Bay goal but unfortunately pulled a hamstring and had to be assisted from the pitch.

The first half ended 2-0, with the away side in full control.

The second half saw no let-up in intensity. Kinmel Bay’s attacking threat was relentless, and it wasn’t long before they found their third, Chesters securing her hat-trick and 15th goal of the season.

The fourth away goal came from captain Seren Williams who stepped up to the spot after a handball from a Caernarfon defender to put away a beautifully struck penalty.

The final goal came from Bay’s super sub of the day Amy Mamwell who scored with a perfectly hit shot.

With a rock-solid defensive display ensuring a clean sheet, Kinmel Bay showcased their quality in every area of the pitch.

A brilliant all-round performance, now Bay will look to carry this momentum into the Shield.

Denbigh Town 3 CPD Llanystumdwy 0

Denbigh made it back-to-back wins for the first time under manager Aled Davies in the Betty Pickering Cup.

A hat-trick for forward Beth Kell saw off the visitors as Town also made it two clean sheets on the spin.

A week on from their 12-0 win over Welshpool, Denbigh faced Llanystumdwy in the final group stage match of the cup with the visitors already through to the semis with four wins and a draw in their five matches.

Town now enter the Shield competition for those not advancing to the latter stages of the Betty Pickering Cup.

Denbigh began strongly with Lowri Claybrook, starting following injury for the first time since September, unleashing an effort to test the keeper from 25-yards.

It took 28 minutes for the first chance for Llanystumdwy with Annest Roberts lofting the ball over Town’s keeper from the edge of the box only to rattle the top of the crossbar.

Claybrook displayed brilliant skill in the middle of the park before shrugging off two defenders and curling the ball onto the right post. She continued her fine start by linking up well with Kell before seeing the latter test the goalkeeper from a tight angle.

Soon after, Kell found the back of the net. Catrin Davies threaded a superb pass to Kell who ran through and calmly dispatched beyond Sara Lacey.

Kell quickly made it a double. On 38 minutes Claybrook’s excellent footwork allowed her to slide the ball forward to Kell who ran through and slotted home.

The game appeared to mellow out in the second half with chances few and far between for either side, and in reality neither goalkeeper was tested until way beyond the hour mark.

When it did come it was Kell again who was quickest to react, making it a terrific treble when Claybrook’s free-kick deflected into her path.

REPORT: OLLIE BEECH