The new season is under way across Penmaenmawr Phoenix FC. It has already been a busy opening week, with teams returning to competitive action, new players making their debuts and plenty of encouraging performances across the club.
Team of the Week
Congratulations to everyone selected in our first Team of the Week of the new campaign. The foundation-phase selections are Gethin Griffiths, Erik Higham, Tom O’Mahony, Aaron Pritchard, Harry Williams and Ben Whiteley.
Our development and senior-phase selections are Charlotte McKenzie, Iyla Davies, Morgan Griffiths, Alfie Davies, Casey Williams, Sam Williams, Riley Keating and Oscar Evans.
Junior Section
Saturday 5 September
U12 Girls — Penmaenmawr Phoenix 0–1 Holyhead
The U12 girls could consider themselves unfortunate not to take something from an evenly contested opening game against Holyhead. Phoenix worked hard, competed for every ball and created opportunities, but the decisive moment came from an excellent 20-yard strike that gave the visitors a narrow 1–0 win.
There were encouraging debuts for Charlotte McKenzie and Mia, who both settled into the team immediately and played with real confidence. The result may not have gone their way, but a repeat of this level of performance should bring the rewards the girls deserve.
Player of the Match: Charlotte McKenzie.
U13 Girls — Penmaenmawr Phoenix 3–5 Holyhead
The U13 girls produced a positive performance at home to Holyhead despite eventually losing 5–3. Phoenix stayed organised in their shape, carried a genuine threat in possession and showed a noticeable improvement in confidence throughout the side.
Iyla Davies delivered an outstanding individual display, regularly finding ways through even when surrounded by several opponents. The scoreline did not quite reflect the amount of effort and good football shown by the team, but there was plenty to build on at the start of the season.
Player of the Match: Iyla Davies.
U15 Boys — Penmaenmawr Phoenix 1–4 Mochdre
The U15s opened their campaign against a strong Mochdre side who won the league last season. Mochdre established the advantage, but Phoenix responded with a much-improved second half and played some attractive football as the game developed.
The hard work completed during pre-season was clear in the players’ fitness and determination. They kept applying pressure and finished the game strongly, even though they could not recover the deficit. It was a demanding opening fixture, but one that offered several encouraging signs for the weeks ahead.
U16 Boys — Llanrwst U17s 1–2 Penmaenmawr Phoenix
The U16s earned an excellent 2–1 victory against Llanrwst U17s. Facing older opposition presented a physical test, but the lads approached it with confidence, worked hard for one another and showed the composure needed to see out a close contest.
It was a strong collective effort and an impressive way to begin the season.
Player of the Match: Alfie Davies.
Sunday 6 September
U7 Boys — Final Friendlies at Penrhyn Bay
The U7 Yellows and Blues completed their pre-season schedules away at a full-strength Penrhyn Bay ahead of the opening-day PPFC derby. With several players unavailable, neither Phoenix side had substitutes, making it a particularly demanding morning.
Both teams were beaten, but the players kept their heads up, continued working and battled through to the final whistle. Those qualities will serve them well as they begin their first league fixtures.
For the Yellows, Gethin Griffiths scored and was named Player of the Match. For the Blues, Erik Higham was recognised for his first-half display and Tommy O’Mahony for his second-half performance, while Dewi Jones scored twice.
U8 Boys and U8 Girls — In-house Friendly
The U8 boys played their first match together in an entertaining in-house friendly against the U8 girls. Both teams contributed plenty of goals and positive attacking football, making it an enjoyable game for the players and everyone watching.
Thank you to Andrew and Liam for organising a useful and enjoyable fixture that gave both groups valuable time on the pitch.
U12 Boys — Llandudno 7–2 Penmaenmawr Phoenix
The U12s made a positive start away at Llandudno but were punished by several direct balls in behind and went into the interval 4–1 down. Phoenix responded well after half-time, created a number of good chances and struck the woodwork more than once, only to find the Llandudno goalkeeper in excellent form.
Two further goals arrived from quick breaks following Phoenix corners, underlining an important lesson in protecting against the counterattack. Although the 7–2 scoreline was disappointing, the second-half performance demonstrated the character within the group and gave the team clear areas to work on together.
Tuesday 8 September
U8 Boys — Penrhyn Bay Friendly
The U8 boys travelled to Penrhyn Bay and made a flying start by taking the lead inside the opening minute. The hosts responded with a strong spell and scored several goals, but Phoenix never stopped running, supporting one another or trying to play.
The development within this new group over recent months has been clear, and their determination throughout a difficult game gave coaches plenty to be proud of.
Player of the Match: Aaron Pritchard.
U16s vs U17s — PPFC Derby
The U17s came out on top in an entertaining all-Phoenix contest which showcased the quality developing across both age groups. Riley Keating scored a hat-trick, while Alwyn Teasdale added a superb long-range strike.
At the other end, U16 goalkeeper Sam Williams made a series of excellent saves to prevent further goals. Both sides played some very good football, and the standard of the game provided another encouraging sign for the club’s future pathway.
Wednesday 9 September
U12 Boys — Penmaenmawr Phoenix 2–1 Rhos
The U12s responded superbly to their weekend defeat by earning their first win of the season at home to Rhos. It was a committed and courageous performance against physical opposition, with the players backing one another up and competing as a team from start to finish.
Phoenix deserved the 2–1 victory, and the result was an excellent example of the group learning quickly and putting those lessons into practice.
Player of the Match: Oscar Evans, whose tireless performance while wearing the captain’s armband set the standard for the team.
Thursday 10 September
U9s and U10s — In-house Development Fixture
The U9s and newly formed U10s took part in a valuable in-house friendly. The fixture allowed the coaches to work on specific elements of the club’s playing approach in a positive, low-pressure environment.
It was particularly encouraging to see the new U10 group beginning to come together, with both teams embracing the opportunity to learn and put their coaching points into practice.
U11 Boys — Penmaenmawr Phoenix 3–0 St Asaph
After ten weeks without a game, the U11s made an excellent return with a 3–0 win against St Asaph. The boys played with purpose and produced a composed team performance from the opening whistle.
Two of the goals came from set-piece routines that the group has worked on consistently in training, making their successful execution especially pleasing for the coaches. It was a strong result and a very positive first game back.
U13 Boys — Llandudno Fixture
The U13s fell to defeat against Llandudno, but the scoreline did not diminish their effort. The lads continued competing for every ball and kept working throughout, with Casey Williams setting a particularly strong example through his determination.
There will be useful lessons to take from the game as the team settles into the new campaign.
U15 Boys — Response Against Llysfaen
The U15s produced the response they wanted in their midweek meeting with Llysfaen. After the difficult opening fixture against Mochdre, Phoenix dominated long spells, scored plenty of goals and matched the result with a convincing all-round performance.
The players’ willingness to learn and react so quickly was every bit as encouraging as the victory itself.
U11s Make Memories at Burnley
Away from the league schedule, the U11s enjoyed a memorable day at Burnley. Their visit began with a 90-minute session led by Burnley Academy coaches, giving the players an opportunity to experience a professional academy environment and learn from a different coaching team.
The lads worked hard, listened carefully and embraced every part of the session. The Burnley coaches were highly complimentary afterwards, particularly praising the players’ attitude, enthusiasm and conduct — feedback that reflected brilliantly on the boys, their families and PPFC.
The group then headed to Turf Moor, where they had pitchside seats for Burnley’s game against Bristol City. The visitors won 2–1 with a dramatic 94th-minute goal, bringing an exciting end to a day full of shared experiences.
Training with academy coaches and watching a professional match together created memories the players will carry for a long time. A huge well done to every member of the group for representing the club so positively.
Senior Section
First Team — Amateur Trophy
Penmaenmawr Phoenix’s latest Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy run ended on penalties against fellow Tier 3 side CPD Rhos Aelwyd after an eventful 3–3 draw.
Having received a bye in the first qualifying round following last season’s run to the semi-finals, Phoenix started the tie brightly and created the better early opportunities. Their positive opening was rewarded around the 15-minute mark when right-back Ryan Vaughan was brought down after turning inside the penalty area. Toby Jones stepped up and converted confidently to put Pen 1–0 ahead.
Phoenix looked capable of building on the advantage but were unable to retain possession as effectively as they would have liked. Rhos Aelwyd stayed direct and looked to release their two forwards quickly. That approach brought the equaliser when a defensive mix-up allowed Reeves through on goal, and another misplaced pass was intercepted seven minutes later before the visitors worked the ball across the area to lead 2–1 at half-time.
Phoenix adjusted their shape at the interval and introduced Ricky Jones, but Rhos struck again early in the second period as Reeves completed his hat-trick to make it 3–1. The response from the Penmen was immediate. Two minutes later, Sam Ashton played Toby Jones into space on the edge of the area; Jones drove forward and fired an outstanding finish into the top corner.
Momentum had shifted, and Phoenix completed the comeback five minutes later. Ricky Jones delivered an excellent ball from the right, Toby Jones saw his effort saved and James Hobson reacted quickest to turn home the rebound for 3–3.
The hosts nearly won the tie in the 83rd minute when the Rhos goalkeeper produced a remarkable double save, recovering to deny Lewis Williams from the follow-up after making the initial stop. With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the contest went to penalties, where Rhos held their nerve and their goalkeeper made two saves to send the visitors through.
It was a disappointing conclusion for Phoenix after creating enough chances to win the tie, but cup football often turns on fine margins. The focus now returns to the league, with the Penmen looking to collect the points needed to remain in the top half.
Community Programmes
FAW Huddle Returns
Our free FAW Huddle sessions return on Monday 14 September at Cae Sling. The 45-minute sessions are open to girls aged 5–11 and provide a friendly, enjoyable introduction to football with no previous experience required.
BE.FC Launching Soon
The first BE.FC session is planned for Monday 21 September. Designed for girls aged 12–16, BE.FC offers free football in a relaxed, no-pressure environment where participants can play, build confidence and enjoy being active with friends.
Booking details will be shared through the club’s social media channels as soon as they are available.
From first matches and first wins to academy experiences and new community sessions, this opening week has shown the energy running through every part of the Phoenix. Thank you to every player, coach, volunteer, parent and supporter who has helped get the new season under way.