Henllan strike early and stay solid to earn vital three points

NWC LLANDUDNO KIA WOMEN’S LEAGUE – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

CPDM Henllan 1 (Griffith 6)
CPDM Llanystumdwy 0

An early Elin Griffith goal was all that separated these sides after a close-fought 90 minutes at Top Park on Sunday.

Back in September, Llanystumdwy had edged the reverse fixture 4-3 at Parc Dwyfor, clinching the win with an added time penalty, so the Vale of Clwyd villagers will have been more than happy to put the record straight five months on.

Llan went close to opening the scoring in the first few minutes when a Hana Wellings header flew just over the bar from a corner.

However, in the sixth minute the home team took the lead also from a flag-kick when a Lleucu Williams delivery was met by Griffith, whose goalbound shot was deflected into the net via a visiting defender for her first goal of the campaign.

The rest of the half pitted out without either keeper being troubled.

In the second half Llanystumdwy searched for the equaliser, with corners and long throws without creating many chances.

Visiting keeper Sara Lacey made two decent saves from Mabli Fitzgerald and substitute Amy Woodbridge, whilst Mali Elan Reed shot wide for the away team on 75 minutes.

In the last five, home keeper Rhian Edwards made a great save to deny Wellings’ header, again from a corner.

Despite seven minutes of injury time Llanystumdwy couldn’t find a way to snatch a point, with the return of Magi Pierce and Ella Allen from last week’s defeat in defence alongside match winner Griffith and right back Lydia Davies all excellent and keeping their third clean sheet of the season.

Only Llangefni had previously stopped Llanystumdwy from scoring in the league this season.

With the rest of the home team giving 100%, Henllan claimed a vital 3 points which takes them up to fourth in the league.

Tash Matthews was named Player of the Match for the visitors,