Inter Games football glory for Ynys Môn
YNYS Môn have been crowned champions of the Inter Games after victory over Guernsey.
The home side managed to secure a 2-1 victory over the Channel Islanders in a closely-fought final in front of a bumper crowd of more than 3,000 fans in Holyhead.
It was not the best of starts for Ynys MÔn as Guernsey took an early lead after Keanu Marsh put his team in front after just five minutes.
And they kept their lead in a tight contest through to the final 10 minutes of the clash before the tables were dramatically turned and Ynys Môn were able to claim victory.
Liam Morris scored the equaliser with a volley from the edge of the box, before Melvin McGinness made it 2-1 just minutes later.
Ynys Môn made it through to the final of the competition after beating Shetland 2-1 in a tightly-fought contest on Thursday evening.
Two goals from Sam Jones in the first half of the match were enough to see off the Scottish outfit.
Guernsey made their way to the final after running out 3-2 winners over the Isle of Man in a thrilling semi-final clash.
Squad member McGinness paid tribute to the home support after they clinched Huws Gray InterIsland Games tournament gold.
The former Holyhead Hotspur talisman and new Porthmadog signing played a leading role in his side’s success during the competition, which culminated in the sensational come-from-behind victory over Guernsey in front of more than 3,000 spectators at The New Stadium.
McGinness managed to convert an opportunity that proved decisive, and the experienced forward said the whole experience of playing in front of the Anglesey crowd has “topped everything” he has ever experienced with the Ynys MÔn set-up previously.
He said: “The crowd that came out has made the experience a whole lot better than when I went away with Ynys MÔn 12 years ago.”
McGinness also revealed he vowed to make up for lost time in the final after missing Ynys MÔn’s semi-final triumph due to suspension, and he lived up to his word to round off an outstanding competition from the player.
The Ynys Môn women’s side narrowly missed out on making it a tournament double for the hosts after being beaten 2-1 in the final by the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man took a 2-0 lead before Catrin Evans pulled one back for Ynys Môn, but the home side were unable to find the vital equaliser to take the game to extra time. Pics: Gareth Wyn Williams
Elsewhere in the men’s tournament, the Isle of Man took the bronze medal after beating Shetland 5-0 in the third place play-off on Friday afternoon.
The biennial multi-sports Island Games normally holds a football contest, but this year’s hosts Gibraltar did not have enough pitches to allow the tournament to take place.
Instead, the 2019 Inter Games Football Tournament has been held on Anglesey, but it will not form an official part of the Island Games.