These girls are champions of Wales – again!

WELSH SCHOOLS CUP UNDER-18 GIRLS FINAL

Ysgol Glan Clwyd 5 (Walsh, A Davies 2, B Roberts, Galeandro)
Ysgol Glantaf 0

Llongyfarchiadau mawr i Ysgol Glan Clwyd/huge congratulations to Ysgol Glan Clwyd – Under-18 Girls Welsh Schools Cup winners for a second year running.

The St Asaph based school were looking to retain the title in the final at Penydarren Park, Merthyr Tydfil, whilst opponents Glantaf, coached by ex-Wales international striker and TV pundit Gwennan Harries, were hoping to take the cup back to Cardiff.

The game kicked off at a frantic pace and high quality with two even sides. Pupils who came to support both schools sang all afternoon making it a great atmosphere.

After 10 minutes the team from North Wales took the lead when Kinmel Bay wonderkid Lexi Walsh used her electric pace on the right wing and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Annie Davies, who had captained Wales Under-17 in January, doubled the lead when her free kick was too hot to handle for the keeper and went over the line.

Glantaf then had most of the play up to half time but the Glan Clwyd defence of Miley Davies, Ella Allen and Elin Griffith were superb all game, giving the South Wales strikers limited chances on goal with sweeper Magi Pierce marshelling the back-line flawlessly and proving a strong candidate for player of the match.

Special mention should also be given to Glan Clwyd stand-in keeper Beca Lois Williams who put on the gloves on for the first time in two years yet was outstanding, making two crucial saves just after half time.

Mabli Fitzgerald nearly made it three on 50 minutes but her shot flew just over the bar.

CPDM Henllan’s goal machine Beth Roberts, who played in midfield, then punished a defensive error to strike home her inevitable goal to give the Llanelwy team a comfortable lead with 20 to go.

Two goals in as many minutes made the scoreline of 5-0 look harsh on Glantaf who were always in the game until the last 15.

Walsh, who looked dangerous all game, flew past her full-back again and her shot was palmed out only for Stoke City U19 star Megan Galeandro to score at the far post to add to her hatful of goals for the school over the years.

A minute later Davies, who had controlled the midfield all afternoon, then scored her second and the goal of the game with a thunderous shot into the top corner from outside the box.

Coach Arwyn Jones then brought on twin sisters Lydia and Lea Davies and birthday girl Erin Plumb in the last 10 minutes.

As the final whistle blew the celebrations began.

Captain Lleucu Williams lifted the trophy and took the cup back on the bus to make the three and a half hour journey back to North Wales well worth it.

In 2026, Glan Clwyd will hope to make 3 in a row and 4 in 5 years with only Lleucu and Megan not available.

GLAN CLWYD

Beca Williams, Ella Allen, Magi Pierce, Elin Griffith (all Henllan), Miley Davies (North Wales Academy), Beth Roberts, Lleucu Williams, Mabli Fitzgerald (all Henllan), Megan Galeandro and Annie Davies (Stoke), Lexi Walsh (Kinmel Bay). Subs: Lydia Davies, Lea Davies, Erin Plumb (Henllan).

Huge thanks to CLED PIERCE for match report and photos