Four-some City in dream start
BANGOR City began their North Wales Women’s Football League season with a superb 4-0 home win over Amlwch Town last Sunday.
Manager Ethan Ray has strengthened his squad over the summer, and pre-season results and performances suggested the campaign ahead would bring a vast improvement.
One swallow might not make a summer, but the Citizens have already equalled the number of wins they achieved last season.
A brilliant showing from the home team saw them playing excellent attacking football which ensured they were firmly camped in opposition territory for the vast majority of the game.
Despite taking the early initiative and dictating the match from the outset, Bangor were unable to break down a resolute and packed Amlwch defence.
City created lots of good chances in the first half but failed to capitalise, and the score remained 0-0 up to the break.
The second half continued in much the same vein, the match almost entirely played in the Amlwch half, with Bangor producing some fine play, moving the ball around well and creating opportunities.
The team showed great spirit and determination to keep sticking at their task, and refused to get worn down by the attritional play of the Angleseybased opposition.
Finally their endeavour paid off and the deadlock was broken by City Girls youth product Shannon Jade Jones as her shot looped over the Amlwch keeper to make it 1-0.
Gaining in confidence after getting that first goal, Bangor played some scintillating football going forward, linking up well and always looking dangerous.
Soon after, new signing Lexi Crawley, the former Wrexham, Caernarfon Town and Amlwch Town striker, scored on her competitive debut to double the lead.
Pushing on for more goals, another of City’s new faces Sara Furlong started and finished a great team move, going from defence to attack in seconds, also scoring on her competitive bow to make it 3-0.
Crawley made it a brace and 4-0 overall with a fine finish into the corner, giving Bangor City a welldeserved victory. Picture: ANDY MATTHEWS
Player of the Match for the home team was Emily Ridges.
Delighted manager Ray said after the game: “Well done everyone – a brilliant team performance. Keep it up – great to get that three points in the first game.”
Next up for Bangor is a trip to Denbigh Town this Sunday.
Three other matches were played on the opening weekend of the league season.
Gap Northop Hall edged a tight 3-2 victory over Denbigh Town.
Laura Pennington bagged a brace and Ashleigh Foster was also on the mark, Town’s prolific markswoman Hollie Groves replying with a double.
Kinmel Bay and Prestatyn played out a 2-2 draw.
Georgia Williams and Niomi Taylor struck for the home side, Charlotte Morris and Emily Morris making sure the visitors returned home with a point.
Bethel are the early table leaders after enjoying a 2-1 triumph at Pwllheli.
Ffion Williams netted both for the visitors to make it six goals in two matches, while Pwllheli replied through Lois Thomas in what was a good contest.