Bethel beaten at home
PWLLHELI defeated Bangor 3-2 in a closely-fought North Wales Women’s League Betty Pickering Cup quarter-final.
Lois Thomas was on form, grabbing herself a hat-trick for the home team.
Bangor gave their hosts a hard game, showing again the spirit and desire which has typified the second half of their season.
However, Pwllheli proved the stronger side overall and advanced to the semi-finals. ● In the North Wales Women’s League, Bethel ended their fixtures with a 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Llanfair United.
Despite the result, Bethel will definitely finish in the top five.
It has been a good season for the village club, the highlight being reach- ing the Welsh Cup quarter-finals for the first time, where they were beaten 4-2 by holders Cardiff City FC Women after a great battle.
Bethel started strongly at Brynrefail Field, taking a 2-0 lead inside the opening few minutes.
Mari Gibbard slotted home the first before sister Gwenno Gibbard made it two with a cool finish.
In the 14th minute Llanfair pulled one back, Mary Griffiths’ neat footwork taking the ball past the Bethel keeper and drilling it into the bottom corner of the net.
The chances kept coming for Llanfair, with Gemma Jones going closest to the equaliser .
As the half drew to a close, Llanfair deservedly drew level. Nora Davies played a lovely free kick into the box, finding the head of Cat Roberts, whose fabulous looping header flew into the net.
The second half began almost exactly like the first, but this time it was with a goal for Llanfair, Cat Roberts again heading home.
Bethel tried to get back into the game and put some attacking moves together, but the Llanfair defence stood firm. Tracey Godsell made one brave save at the feet of a home attacker.
Midway through the second half and Llanfair’s pressing told again with a lovely piece of individual skill from Griffiths to take the score to 4-2. ● Bethel Under-16s gave Bangor a 7-2 thumping as they continued their good form in the league. Bangor took the lead early, but Erin Maloney equalised almost immediately.
The Citizens edged ahead for a second time, but yet again Maloney levelled.
Maloney then made it 3-2 with a fine solo run and finish to complete a first-half hat-trick.
In the second half Bethel turned on the style.
Katie Houghton made it 4-2 with a fierce first-time effort from 20 yards before adding her second with a sublime long-ranger that looped over the keeper and went in via the crossbar.
The ever dangerous Maloney scored her fourth.
Cara Jones rounded off the scoring with a volley from Jessica Lane’s long throw.