Pesda still the ones to catch
BETHESDA ATHLETIC made it six straight wins in North Wales Women’s League Division Two with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Amlwch Town at Parc Meurig last Saturday.
Two first-half goals were enough to clinch the points for Pesda, but the Anglesey visitors came back strongly after the break and could have finished up on level terms.
The home side took the lead when the dangerous Chloe Hughes worked her way into the box and was brought down by Sara Furlong, leading to the award of a penalty.
Katie Midwinter coolly slotted into the bottom-left corner for her 15th goal in all competitions. And the Green-and-Blacks went further ahead when Ceri Lois found the empty net after profiting from pressurising the Town defence.
Amlwch, who were fourth in the table at start of play, knew they had a lot to do to turn things around in the second half and went about their task determinedly.
Nonetheless, the islanders were unable to reduce the deficit until the closing minutes, when topscorer Lexi Crawley netted from a goalmouth scramble for her 13th goal of the campaign.
Pesda are now four points clear at the summit, with a home clash against third-place Rhyl Development on the agenda this Sunday.
Athletic have beaten Development twice already this season, 5-1 away in the league and 2-1 at home in the NEWFA Cup.
Caernarfon Town, Llandudno and Rhyl are all into the quarterfinals of the FAW Women’s Cup.
The Cofis won 2-1 at Llanfair United, goals from Catrin Thomas and Jade Cooke sealing their pro- gress, with Mary Griffiths replying.
Rhyl triumphed 2-0 at Airbus, Alaw Davies and Laura Williams on target, while Llandudno also advanced to the last eight with a 4-0 home verdict against Aberystwyth, Fflur Williams (2), Kelsey Davies and Mari Gibbard with the goals.
Quarter-final draw (Feb 10): Briton Ferry Llansawel v Caernarfon Town, Llandudno v Abergavenny, Cardiff City FC Women v Rhyl, Cyncoed v Cardiff Met.
In North Wales Women’s League Division One, Kinmel Bay edged a tight 4-3 verdict against Northop Hall. Lucy Perry (2), Jess Jones and Niomi Taylor provided the home goals, Lydia Ward, Eleanor Thomas and Gemma Williams ensuring the Hall went close.
Prestatyn celebrated a great 3-1 victory at Pwllheli. Ellie McDonald (2) and Millie O’Connor were on the mark for the visitors, Hayley Rhys Williams for the hosts.
In Division Two, Thalia Christian-McGrail’s wonder goal and an Elisa Williams double secured a 3-0 result for Corwen at muchimproved Mountain Rangers.
Wrexham defeated Penrhyn Bay 18-0, Lauren Reese, Jodie Richards and Savannah Palin all netting four apiece, Kim Dutton adding a pair, with one each for Morgan Churchill, Megan Buckley, Lily CliftonStringer and Phoebe Rintoul.
FIXTURES: SUNDAY, NOV 25 NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE (1pm):
Division One: Airbus v Northop Hall, Bethel v Prestatyn, Kinmel Bay v Pwllheli, Llanfair United v Denbigh Town. Division Two: Bethesda v Rhyl Development, Corwen v Amlwch, Wrexham v Mountain Rangers. WELSH PREMIER WOMEN’S LEAGUE (2PM): Llandudno v Rhyl.