Llandudno edge tight Genero Adran Trophy tie at Felinheli

GENERO ADRAN TROPHY GROUP 3 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

CPDM Y Felinheli 1 (Midwinter 58)
Llandudno 2 (Rigby 31, Dutton 64)

Despite the result manager Aaron Jones-Evans was more than happy with the performance of his Felinheli side, who were without key players and lacking in games while taking on a strong Llandudno outfit at Cae Seilo.

The opening fixture of the Adran Trophy was a very competitive one.

With Felinheli minus regular faces and with only two games under their belt – including pre season – it was always going to be tough against a well-drilled Llandudno.

The visitors lost winger Kelsey Davies early on to an ankle injury. She will hopefully make a quick recovery.

Both teams started brightly with chances at either end, but the game settled into a pattern of Felinheli happy to soak the pressure and hitting Tudno on the break.

Felin defended well-organised and strong in the tackle, Llandudno probing but to no avail.

That was until youngster Olivia Rigby broke the deadlock on the half hour mark. A messy goal for Felinheli to concede after being so organised throughout most of the half,

Erin Doran struck a searching ball into the box which keeper Catrin Beech came out to parry but hit it against an opponent and the ball bounced kindly for Rigby to tap in and make it 1-0.

Felinheli were not disheartened and kept probing until the end of the half but it stood 1-0 to Llandudno at the break.

The hosts came out second half looking for the equaliser with much more attacking prowess and with the home side shooting down on Seilo they had the momentum.

A few chances came and went with Felin trying to find that killer pass. However, some good work from Rubie Davies caused a bit of a ricochet at the edge of the box and Katie Midwinter was on hand to rifle in the equaliser. Felin had their tails up.

Chances came and went for both sides with neither goalkeeper making notable saves, although when Beech was called upon midway through the half she made an acrobatic save to keep it at 1-1.

Llywela Edwards had a fine shot from all of 30 yards saved well, but neither side could find a second goal.

That was until Jasmin Dutton stepped up from 20 yards out in the 64th minute and steered in a sublime free kick – a goal worthy of winning any game.

Felin pushed for another equaliser but it was not to be. Both teams were good value and a performance of this quality will stand them in good stead for the upcoming season.

Felin manager Aaron Jones-Evans: “A great performance from us today, no one likes to lose but we know that our preparations haven’t been great this pre season, and with some key players missing all we asked of today was to perform, and that’s what the players did.

“It was tough for the players at times, as we all know the quality Llandudno possess, but having such a strong showing so early on for us can only be seen as a positive. I enjoyed watching that game today, good competitive game with some quality players on show, we will bounce back I have no doubt about that.

“Everyone at the club would like to wish Kelsey Davies a speedy recovery, no-one enjoys watching players get hurt so we wish her the best.”