MATCH ANALYSIS: Rhyl 1879 v Flint Town United

MATCH ANALYSIS

Genero Adran North – March 9, 2025

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 2 (Bentley 21, R Thomas 58)
Flint Town United 1 (Hastings 62)

Rhyl proved today that when their best team is available they are a match for most teams in Adran North.

Players like Rachael Thomas, Becca Bannister and Cassie Thomas, for so long the backbone of the team, were three standout performers in Sunday’s victory over a Flint side they had previously lost to twice this season.

Skipper Rachael Thomas was particularly impressive, her corner leading to the first goal before a stunning free kick from the former Connah’s Quay Nomad handed Rhyl a vital 2-0 lead.

Overall, neither side were at their best on Sunday, although both produced good spells of football with Rhyl especially strong at the back.

Flint’s final ball and deliveries into the box sometimes let them down, as did a reluctance to have a pop of goal more often.

The Silkwomen were probably at their best after going 2-0 down, scoring a goal and then pressing constantly, but struggling to create too many clear chances.

Rosie Hughes constantly probed for openings, Zoe Stopford had one those rare days where nothing seemed to fall right for her, Ruby Hastings really put a good shift in on the right and substitute Carys Chaisty looked lively when she came on.

The usual hard work of Ruby McGilloway and Taylia Chaloner was notable, but overall the Silkies might feel they should have got a draw.

Good to see Emily Bentley back in a Rhyl shirt and scoring, but I was upset about Jess Mills leaving the field injured early on as I’ve been looking forward to seeing her play again.

I never like to criticise officials any more, I’ve done it in the past, but since gaining a better understanding of what they have to deal with, I’ve generally always supported them.

Today I have to say I was a little frustrated by the constant stop-start nature of the play. Perhaps the constant stoppages were necessary, they know the rules better than me, but overall it took a little edge off the game.

Nonetheless, two good visits to the Hops and Barley Community Stadium this weekend with the sun shining and the football gripping.

CPD Y RHYL 1879

Bethan Thomas, Saskia Wynne-Thomas, Rosie O’Brien, Sophie Haywood, Cassandra Thomas, Rebecca Bannister, Laura Williams, Rachael Thomas (c), Chelsea Evans (Alicia Duke 46), Jess Mills (Jazmine Mollatt 19), Emily Bentley.

FLINT TOWN UNITED

Rebecca Bott (Ruby Stevens 46), Taylia Chaloner, Shona Roberts, Llinos Hughes, Grace Bamber, Daisy Hughes (Carys Chaisty 52), Ruby McGilloway, Zoe Stopford, Kaelyn Williams, Rosie Hughes, Ruby Hastings.

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

RHYL 1879 – RACHAEL THOMAS
One goal, one assist, numerous fine tackles and passes and constantly encouraging the team when the going got tough.

FLINT – RUBY HASTINGS
Scored a goal, went close to another and was Flint’s liveliest attacker with some great work down the right. Did her fair share of hard work all over the pitch.