BANGOR UNI 0
RUTHIN LADIES 2
UNDERSTRENGTH Ruthin Ladies still had too much firepower for the students of Bangor to maintain their excellent North Wales League Premier Division run.
The Vale side travelled with a depleted squad of only 10 players for two-thirds of the game, but despite being a player down, Ruthin still found the winning formula.
They attacked from the whistle and applied pressure, forcing the students to go backwards and making it difficult for them to even enter Ruthin’s defensive 22.
Sally Conyers worked tirelessly in attack applying constant pressure on the Bangor defence.
Ruthin’s communication and team work was exceptional and these efforts were rewarded from a penalty corner.
Sian Edwards’ initial strike was saved, while Eleri Jones’ follow-up shot was also saved.
The ball rebounded for player of the match Linda Harrison to fire in a shot that went under the keeper and Claerwen Render was perfectly positioned on the goal line to tap the ball in.
Ruthin’s midfield four of Harrison, Render and Eleri Jones and Gweni Jones continued to push forward trying to add further goals, but it remained 1-0 at the break.
The away side started to feel the effects of being a player down after the restart and the students took advantage to force numerous short corners, but they were unable to capitalise due to some outstanding and crucial saves in front of goal by Edwards and keeper Elinor Isaac.
The defensive trio of Eluned Roberts, Paula Hurst and Stefi Argeino were once again superb and continued to thwart any attack, while providing excellent ball to the midfielders.
Ten minutes into the second half and Fflur Iorwerth finally found the pitch to even the numbers!
The second goal soon followed when ruthless Render made a run from halfway point and collapsed once she was in Bangor’s D.
From the ensuing penalty corner, Eleri Jones converted the second goal.