FIXTURES (SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4)
ALTHOUGH Llandudno Ladies claimed a 2-0 win over Caernarfon Town at The Oval last Sunday, the Cofis should take heart after a battling display that was a vast improvement from when the sides met earlier this term, reports Paul Evans.
The visitors had run out 7-2 victors in the League Cup in September but there seemed very little chance of a repeat score in this Welsh Premier League encounter.
Keith Fearns’ side proved the equals of their opponents in most areas, although Tudno certainly dominated possession for long periods.
Both sides began brightly, although goalmouth action was at a premium in the first quarter.
Whilst Llandudno had tested Town keeper Sara Williams with hopeful long- range efforts, the first real threat of breaking the deadlock came in the 21st minute when Town’s Katie Bowe struck an impressive free kick that beat Georgia Smith but rattled the bar, much to the Cofis’ frustration.
Three minutes later, Catrin Thomas did well to beat her marker on the edge of the penalty area but was disappointed to see her goalbound effort blocked by Fflur Williams.
Sarah Colville’s side sparked into action following Caernarfon’s threats and gradually took a grip of the match, Anna Jones shooting straight at Williams when well-placed and the dangerous Jordanne Greenough heading inches wide after rising well to reach a corner.
The same player was foiled by Williams in the 36th minute when the Town stopper got her hand to the ball and pushed it onto the bar.
The visitors went ahead just a minute after the restart, when Greenough finally found a way past Williams .
Things got better for them five minutes later as Mari Gibbard evaded two tackles on the way into the home penalty area before thundering her effort past the exposed keeper from 12 yards.
Llandudno’s confidence rocketed and they bossed possession for long periods after their two-goal salvo.
The Cofis adopted a more direct approach, with playmaker Ffion Owen looking to feed Bowe and Thomas down the channels.
Thomas twice went close to pulling a goal back for the hosts when she broke upfield on her own but shot wide of the target before Bowe put her through late on, and goalkeeper Smith did well to block her low strike.
Smith also thwarted Bowe late on when she raced out of her area to clear the ball upfield. Picture: DAI SINCLAIR
Greenough struck the bar for the visitors, while the impressive Stacey Tradewll also tested Williams but Caernarfon defended resolutely and the score remained at 0-2 at the final whistle.