Moore winner earns Shield for Bodedern
A CRAIG Moore goal was enough to secure a Bob Owen Memorial Shield win for Bodedern Athletic in last Friday night’s Anglesey derby played at The Oval in Caernarfon.
Menai Bridge Tigers provided stern opposition as the men in green continue to target a possible treble.
Following a tense and dogged first half, the game did not spark into life until after the interval, with the hard pitch proving to be somewhat a hindrance to any attractive football being played.
The breakthrough came on 54 minutes with a Casey Boylan through ball finding pacy wideman Moore, who kept his composure to smash the ball into the top corner from what looked like an impossible angle.
Although Menai Bridge launched some efforts into the box late on, they were unable to find an equaliser to force extra time.
Following the match, Bodedern manager Ricky Williams was full of praise for his players.
“I’m made up for the lads,” said Williams.
“I thought Menai Bridge were the better side for the first 45 minutes, but we finally got the ball down in the second half and showed glimpses of what we really can do.
“I think we deserved the win in the end.
“It’s always nice to win silverware but the lads know we have a massive week ahead as we travel to fellow title challengers Bontnewydd twice in four days, with a semi-final coming up on Wednesday and then the crucial league game on Saturday.”
Tonight (Wednesday) Bodedern travel to title rivals Bontnewydd for a Gwynedd Safeflue Shield semi-final.
Llanystumdwy await the winners in the final.
Meanwhile, Boded and Bont stand neck-and-neck in the battle for the Gwynedd League title with two games apiece remaining.
Both sides are on 50 points each from 20 matches, but Boded have a better goal difference of four.
This Saturday sees Bontnewydd home to Bodedern in a genuine sixpointer.
Bont complete their league campaign at home to Aberffraw on May 20, while Bodedern are away to Menai Bridge in their final game on May 24.
Last Tuesday delivered a couple of interesting results in the title race.
Bontnewydd travelled to Menai Bridge top of the table, but by close of play had dropped to second place Picture: Nigel Williams (Drago) after being held 3-3.
Dave Baston, Guy Hughes and Andy Wannop struck for Bridge, Rhys Roberts (2, 1 pen) and Terry Jones for Bont.
Meanwhile, Boded claimed the summit on goal difference after hammering Bethesda Athletic 8-0 at Cae Ty Cristion.
Jordan Taylor banged in a hat-trick for the home side, with top marksman Matty Jones adding a double and there were singles for Shaun Jenkins, Craig Moore and Ryan Taylor.