Silver for Ynys Môn but a performance to be proud of

ORKNEY ISLAND GAMES 2025

MEN’S FOOTBALL FINAL

Bermuda 3 (Donowa 13, Christian 32, Armstrong 90)
Ynys Môn 1 (S Jones 59)

Fine margins…..

When Ynys Môn were 2-1 down midway through the second half, a remarkable goal-line clearance denied them an equaliser.

Had that resulted in a goal, Martin Jones’ side, totally in the ascendency, would surely have gone on to win the match.

As it was, that second Anglesey goal never arrived and Bermuda finally killed off a great contest in added time.

Today’s 20th Island Games men’s football final saw Môn end up with a silver medal for the fifth time since the event began back in 1989.

It was not quite to be, but what a fantastic effort once more from our boys.

At two goals down, they could easily have folded, but there is no quit in this side as they left the outcome of this gold medal battle in the balance almost right to the end.

Today’s finalists had already met in this year’s competition, drawing 2-2 in a group clash two days earlier.

In that match, Bermuda had fought back from two-down to gain a point. The final was heading the same way, but in reverse.

However, one could not deny that a really slick, pacy and skilful Bermudan outfit were impressive winners.

The first half was largely dominated by Bermuda, their attractive style of play, lots of possession, composure and quickness in attack serving them well.

The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute. With the wind in favour of Bermuda, Ynys Môn defender Cai Griffith misjudged a high bouncing ball and Jase Donowa capiralised to lash home a cracking finish.

Môn responded well, record goalscorer Liam Morris having an effort saved and another blocked, Sam Jones the same.

However, in the 32nd minute more incisive build-up from Bermuda made it 2-0, Chance Carmine-Eve’s superb pass from the left released Mason Christian to drill beyond Môn goalkeeper Carl Jones.

Caio Evans almost pulled one back before the break, cutting in from the left and sending a dipping right-footer inches over.

HALF TIME: Bermuda 2-0 Ynys Môn

After the break Môn came back all guns blazing, forcing their opponents on the backfoot for the first time.

The introduction of subs Josh Stanley and Alex Boss made a significant difference.

In the 59th minute, Bermuda made a mess of clearing their lines and CPD Dinas Bangor City 1876 striker Sam Jones drove a low shot into the net from 20 yards.

Seven minutes later came that potential match-turning moment. Morris’ shot looked all the way a goal, but Brighton Morrison on the line somehow kept the ball out.

Bermuda rode the storm and began to threaten more on the counter. Sub Andrew Armstrong raced into the box but lashed his shot against the bar and over.

Ynys Môn’s final golden chance saw Hari Jones rise to meet a hanging corner but head wide.

Three minutes into added time, another fast break from the Bermudans led to Armstrong making it 3-1.

A high quality final, two really good sides and once more Ynys Môn did the island and the whole of Wales proud.

Ynys Môn

Carl Jones, Cai Powell-Roberts, Caio Evans, Hari Jones, Cai Griffith, Osian Jones, Jack Smith, Dylan Summers-Jones, Liam Morris, Sam Jones, Cai Roberts.

Subs used: Alex Boss, Josh Stanley, Casey Gregg, Gerwyn Roberts, Cian Owen.

Management: Martin Jones, Gerwyn Roberts, Gaz Aled Owen