Ynys Môn women flying high at Airbus in Island Games tune-up

REPORT – WOMEN’S FOOTBALL FRIENDLY – SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Isle of Man 4 (Wallis 4, O’Reilly 28, Lisy 66, Cole pen 90)
Ynys Môn 3 (H Owen 1 & 18, C Evans 85)

Llangefni Town’s Hannah Owen was on target twice for an Ynys Môn side which put up a great show in a narrow 4-3 defeat to Isle of Man at Airbus UK Broughton’s Hollingsworth Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The game was set for a 3-3 draw until the Manx grabbed a 90th minute decider, but the Anglesey girls could feel proud of their performance.

With both sides anxious to strike a psychological blow in anticipation of a potential meeting at July’s Island Games in Orkney, Môn got off to an absolute flyer.

Carol Lewis put in a big tackle to win the ball back and pass calmly to Casi Evans, who switched play wide for Ellie Jones to run down the wing.

The Felinheli player’s cross to the back post was tapped in by the alert Owen.

Three minutes later, Isle of Man were level when Pippa Wallis found the net.

Môn regained the lead in the 18th minute, Owen heading in this time following another peach of a cross from Jones.

The Manx got back in terms for a second time with 28 on the clock, Sarah O’Reilly on target.

Half-time it was still 2-2 and a tremendous contest so far.

It stayed level pegging until Tia Lisy put Isle of Man ahead for the first occasion on 66 minutes.

Blackburn Rovers’ Wales Under-19 star Casi Evans hit back for Môn in the late stages via a stunning free kick from out wide.

The position of the free kick probably screamed that she was going to cross it all day long, but with minutes remaining the pride of Amlwch thought….”I’ll give it a go” and cannoned the ball in off the crossbar.

However, the Manx had the last word when Bekki Cole netted from the penalty spot.

Manager Dan Gregg gave special mention to Menna Evans, who led the line amazingly for the Welsh side, adding the returning from injury Erin Burns looked calm and assured at centre back and Catrin Roberts in goal swept up brilliantly all game.

YNYS MON SQUAD

Catrin Fôn Roberts, Marissa George, Yasmin Wilcox, Beth Jones, Mia Roberts, Catrin Mair Roberts, Ellie Jones, Menna Evans, Ceri Slaney, Seren Macdonald, Ashleigh Jones, Erin Burns, Casi Evans, Carol Lewis, Charlotte Madden, Hannah Owen, Mared Roberts.