Into the final! Ynys Môn men worthy winners against Isle of Man

ORKNEY ISLAND GAMES 2025

FOOTBALL

MEN’S SEMI FINAL

Ynys Môn 1 (Morris pen 39)
Isle of Man 0

Liam Morris’ first half penalty was enough to earn Ynys Môn a place in the Island Games men’s football final for the seventh time in their history on Thursday evening.

Martin Jones’ heroes will now take on previous group opponents Bermuda in Friday’s final at the KGC Pitch 1 – Showcase, kick-off 3.30 pm.

The teams drew 2-2 just two days ago, Bermuda battling back from 2-0 down to secure a point which ensured they topped Group C on goal difference.

In a thrilling other semi, the Bermudans edged past holders Jersey 3-2 in extra time today.

Ynys Môn were excellent value for their win over an Isle of Man side limited to very few chances by a rock-solid Anglesey defence.

Scorer Morris made history when his penalty made him Ynys Môn’s all-time top marksman in the Island Games on 10 goals.

Môn have now reached three finals in a row – the 2019 Inter-Games 2-1 victory over Guernsey, a 5-2 loss to Jersey in 2023 and the latest showpiece in Orkney.

Isle of Man started well, threatening when Sean Doyle blazed over after he was nodded through on goal by Frank Jones.

In the 11th minute Doyle’s pass released Lee Gale, who was denied by a superb one-on-one block from keeper Carl Jones.

Ynys Môn’s first major effort came on 21 minutes when Morris curled a free kick from the right against the crossbar.

It should have been 1-0 to the Welsh when Sam Jones’ deep cross from the right wing looked certain to result in a goal, but Dylan Summers-Jones and Osian Jones went for the same ball and the chance was missed.

Osian Jones and Summers-Jones were foiled again by desperate defending before Ynys Môn took the lead.

Summers-Jones lofted a high ball into the box, Morris attempted to volley goalwards but was clipped by keeper Mark Blair.

Morris coolly converted from the spot for his third goal – and second penalty – in the 2025 Games.

Early in the second half, Morris struck the bar for a second time when his exquisite bending attempt rattled the goal frame.

Isle of Man toiled in trying to break through a Môn defence which was giving away nothing. All too often the Manx attackers ran offside.

The introduction of Alex Boss gave the North Walians added impetus and it was his strike towards goal that so nearly brought a second, Morris and Sam Jones somehow unable to blast the ball home.

Sam Jones then had a great opportunity but his goalbound volley was blocked by James Callister.

Ynys Môn were more than worthy of a fantastic victory, a true team effort in which everyone played a part.

Ynys Môn

Carl Jones, Cai Powell-Roberts, Caio Evans, Cai Griffith, Hari Jones, Cai Roberts, Osian Jones, Dylan Summers-Jones, Jack Smith, Sam Jones, Liam Morris.
Subs used: Alex Boss, Casey Gregg, Cian Owen.