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| Llandudno line up before their match with Cyncoed |
MBi Llandudno 0 Cyncoed 1
The mother of all smash-and-grab victories was pulled off by Cardiff visitors Cyncoed at Maesdu Park on Sunday.
The travellers were content to keep 10 players behind the ball throughout the game and soak up Llandudno pressure, then hope to pinch a goal on the break.
Their tactic worked perfectly as a 90th minute deflected shot from substitute Jo Hodge flew in over the head of keeper Rebecca Elliott to earn Cyncoed maximum points from this Welsh Premier Women's League battle.
But Lady Luck certainly shone on the Cardiffians this day, for as well as grabbing a fortunate last-gasp winner they also benefited from a bonafide Llandudno goal being ruled out.
In the 81st minute, a Katie Louise Bowe corner was flicked on and the ball clearly crossed the line before keeper Michelle Pervin grasped it, but the officials let play continue.
Tudno dominated nearly all the first half possession but were unable to break down a stubborn Cyncoed defence.
Sofie Owen had a shot blocked before Bowe lashed one over from 25 yards.
In the 17th minute there was almost disaster for the hosts when Jenni Buckley's tame shot rolled between keeper Rebecca Elliott's legs, but the stopper managed to scramble back and prevent the ball crossing the line.
Kelsey Davies laid the ball off nicely for Bowe, whose effort was dealt with comfortably by Pervin.
On another rare foray into the Tudno half, Gwen Davies steered an attempt across the face of goal for the visitors.
Stacey Tradewell's strike flew straight at Pervin and Jordanne Greenough went close before the break arrived with a 0-0 scoreline.
Llandudno lacked urgency and their passing lacked zip in the first half, but their play improved considerably in the second 45 minutes.
Good deliveries in midfield from Bowe and Tradewell set up a few attacks, with Catrin Thomas prominent on the left, but too often the final ball was lacking from several players.
Cyncoed were grateful when Claudia Meyrick cleared a dangerous corner from Bowe, who then hit another shot over the top.
Defender Jemila Bukari, who was impeccable as usual, burst into the away box on 70 minutes but her near-post strike was held by Pervin.
Bowe turned and shot wide, Tradewell went close from 20 yards, then came the moment when the ball crossed the Cyncoed line but no goal was given.
In the closing stages the visitors at last became a little more adventurous and there was an air of inevitability about their 90th minute winner.
Hodge let fly from just outside the box and the ball ballooned off Tudno defender Claire Colville over the keeper, much to the delight of the away contingent.
Moments later Greenough turned sharply and rippled the side-netting, but try as they did there was to be no home equaliser.
Football can be a cruel game, as Llandudno found out, while cock-a-hoop Cyncoed must have felt they had won the Lottery.
Other scores - Welsh Premier: Port Talbot Town 3 Aberystwyth Town 1.
League Cup semi-finals: PILCS 3 Cardiff Metropolitan 1; Cardiff City 1 Swansea City 3.
NORTH WALES WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Bottom side Point put up a good display before losing 3-1 at home to Kinmel Bay.
Point made a great start and should have put the game to bed in the opening 15 minutes but failed to take their chances.
The home side did score one through Caitlin Latham, but Kinmel were the stronger team in the second half, Seren Williams, Yasmin Mills and Jess Jones netting their goals.
Pwllheli romped to a 4-1 triumph at Bethel, Erica Jones, Sioned Jones, Stacey Roberts and Hayley Rees Williams sharing the goals.
Llanfair United and Caernarfon Town drew 1-1 on a muddy mid-Wales surface.
Nia Ellis struck for the hosts, Elaine Evans replying.
GIRLS FOOTBALL
Llandudno outscored gap Northop Hall 4-1 in the North Wales Girls Under-14 League.
In what was described as a great passing performance, two-goal star Charlotte Graham stood out, while Gemma Hardman and Hannah Jones were also on target.
