Welcome back Jess – Llandudno win the game, but return of striker Jones from injury is huge plus for Bangor

There has been plenty of misery around for women’s football in North Wales this season – not least the amount of postponements caused by inclement weather and lack of fixtures due to miniscule-size leagues.

However, on Sunday something great happened – the return of a true goalscoring hero from a long-term injury.

When Jess Jones came on as a 76th minute substitute for new club CPDM Bangor in their 2-1 loss at Llandudno, it marked an emotional return for a 20-year-old star who had not played any competitive minutes since February last year.

A serious knee injury meant a major operation for Jess last summer and then a long rehabilitation programme.

At previous club Llangefni Town, the young talent from Gwalchmai had scored a remarkable 81 goals in just 53 appearances, helping the team lift the 2023-24 Betty Pickering Cup and finish runners-up back-to-back in the North East Wales League West.

In January, Jess decided to switch to Bangor and her long-awaited debut took place on Sunday at Go Goodwins Stadium.

Happily, Jess reports all was good after her brief appearance.

“It feels so good to be back,” said the Ynys Mon star. “It felt like the good old days; I had a couple chances when I came on. This has definitely helped my confidence going forward to the last 2 games of the season.

“I’ve had no reaction at all, only it feels a bit weird, like a bit stiff now after playing, but otherwise all good. Fitness wasn’t the best for me today though – 12 whole months with no football hasn’t helped that.”

Llandudno 2 (Williams 48, 63)
CPDM Bangor 1 (Dutton OG 90)

Maddie Williams’ first two league goals of the season ensured Llandudno finished their home league fixtures with a win which lifted them out of the bottom two.

The two-time champions have not had the best of campaigns, but at least they were able to round off their Go Goodwins Stadium schedule on a high note.

After a goalless first half, Tudno took a 48th minute lead when a great run and delivery by Gwen Roberts set up Williams for the opener.

Williams doubled the home advantage on 63 minutes with another sharp finish via a Lily Whitefoot assist. It was Williams’ 50th goal in Genero Adran North.

The debut of Jess Jones in the latter stages lifted the visitors and they did manage a consolation before the end via a Jasmin Dutton own goal.