Kinmel Bay end superb season on a five-goal high

NORTH WALES COAST WOMEN’S LEAGUE – SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Kinmel Bay 5 (Standing 25, 37, Ang 55, 71, Nettleton 65) Trearddur Bay 2 (Woods 18, 86)

What a great way to end a superb season – a 5-2 win for a Kinmel Bay side which not only finishes runners-up in a good level North Wales Coast League, but also reached the NWCFA Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The Morfa ladies signed off a superb league campaign in style with an impressive home victory over Trearddur Bay, securing a deserved second-place finish after losing only twice all season — both defeats coming against league champions Llangefni.

Both sides started brightly, showing intent from the first whistle and applying early pressure. Kinmel Bay nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Scarlett Gregson delivered a dangerous corner before receiving the ball back and firing narrowly over the crossbar.

Trearddur Bay responded well and took the lead in the 18th minute. Freya Davies produced an excellent through ball to find Jessica Woods, who reacted quickly to the goalkeeper rushing out and calmly slotted home.

Kinmel Bay answered strongly and levelled in the 25th minute after being awarded a free-kick following a late tackle. Tasha Standing stepped up and made no mistake, burying the ball into the back of the net.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 37th minute. Another dangerous delivery caused problems for the visitors, and when the ball came back out to Standing, she unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner to grab her second of the game and give Kinmel Bay a 2-1 lead at the break.

Trearddur Bay came out strongly in the second half searching for an equaliser, but it was Kinmel Bay who struck next. In the 55th minute, a corner from Standing found captain Seren Williams, whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper straight into the path of Jaide Ang to tap home for 3-1.

Ten minutes later, Gregson delivered a superb cross into the area where Jess Nettleton rose well to head home and extend the lead.

Kinmel Bay were in full flow six minutes later when excellent link-up play between Standing and Nettleton created another opening. A fine ball across the box found Ang, who applied the finishing touch to make it 5-1.

Trearddur Bay continued to battle and grabbed a late consolation. A long pass from Shelley McMullen fell kindly for Woods, who drove forward and finished confidently for her second goal of the afternoon, making the final score 5-2.

Player Awards

• Kinmel Bay Player of the Match (voted by Trearddur Bay): Scarlett Gregson – for her tireless work rate, strong defensive display, and excellent assist.

• Trearddur Bay Player of the Match (voted by Kinmel Bay): Freya Davies – an engine in midfield all game.

• Manager’s Player of the Match (Kinmel Bay): Tasha Standing – for an emphatic display, composure throughout, relentless work rate, and two superb goals.

Manager Naomii Oakley said: “A brilliant end to a fantastic season for Kinmel Bay Ladies. Finishing second in the league and losing only twice all campaign is an achievement to be immensely proud of.”