Bethel in Cup quarter-finals
BETHEL Ladies have reached the quarter-finals of the FAW Women’s Welsh Cup for the first time in their history.
And the North Wales League team’s reward for this achievement is a home tie with current holders Cardiff City Women in February.
Bethel secured their place in the last eight after a thrilling 3-2 win at 2015/16 semi-finalists Denbigh Town last Sunday.
From the first whistle the game was played at a frantic pace with Denbigh enjoying most of the possession, and with only five minutes on the clock Hollie Groves volleyed home.
It took Bethel a good 20 minutes to find their rhythm, but once they did the game opened up with both teams battling hard in midfield.
Bethel levelled on the stroke of half time. Winger Sioned Phillips pressed a Denbigh defender and pounced on her mistake by stealing the ball and finding the top-right corner with a controlled volley.
Bethel began the second half as they ended the first, pressurising the Denbigh players and forcing mistakes.
The visitors broke down a Denbigh attack and countered. Gwenno Gibbard won the ball before releasing sister Mari Gibbard, who beat her marker with ease before placing a shot with her weaker left foot inch perfectly into the bottom left corner.
As Denbigh needed a goal they began to force themselves back into the game. They started winning the ball more often and their pressure paid off with 10 minutes to go.
They won a free kick in their own half that they sent upfield quickly towards Chelsea Williams, who controlled the bouncing ball and hoofed it high into the air.
With the ball dipping towards the goal it somehow found its way over the Bethel keeper’s hands and into the back of the net for 2-2.
This gave Denbigh hope of stealing the tie but they were to be denied as Bethel turned on the style for a final time.
Cara Evans took a quick throw-in which caught the Denbigh defence off guard and fell to Mari Gibbard, who this time turned provider as she found her sister Gwenno with an excellent pass.
Skipper Gwenno Gibbard took a touch, taking the ball into the box and smashing in the winner with three minutes remaining on the clock, breaking Denbigh hearts and sending Bethel through to the quarters.