It was another busy week across Penmaenmawr Phoenix FC. There were close contests and encouraging performances throughout the junior section, a second successive league win for the men’s first team, and a remarkable comeback victory for the Veterans. Away from club fixtures, our young players also represented their schools with distinction.
Team of the Week
Congratulations to everyone recognised this week. Select either graphic to see it at full size.
Junior Roundup
Wednesday 16 September
U15 Boys — 3–2 win over Penrhyn Bay
The U15s edged a demanding encounter with Penrhyn Bay at Cae Sling, winning 3–2 after a contest that tested the whole squad. Both sides made the other work for every opportunity, and Phoenix had to maintain their effort right through to the final whistle to secure the result.
For the coaches, the most pleasing part was the collective response. Every player contributed to a hard-fought win, making this one of those evenings that reminds everyone involved why they give their time to the team. Player of the Match: the whole squad.
Thursday 17 September
U13 Boys — Home win over Colwyn Bay Dragons
The U13s enjoyed a strong evening at home to Colwyn Bay Dragons, combining a clean sheet with plenty of well-taken goals. The group were especially pleased to see ideas they had worked on in recent weeks come through during the game.
It was an encouraging team performance at both ends of the pitch, with Lewis Dixon recognised for his contribution. Player of the Match: Lewis Dixon.
Saturday 19 September
U12 Girls — Caernarfon Town visit Cae Sling
The U12 girls faced a strong Caernarfon Town side in a competitive game at Cae Sling. The visitors took a 3–0 win, but there was plenty of promise in the Phoenix performance. After a difficult opening spell, the girls settled, grew into the contest and competed with increasing confidence.
Nancy, Nel, Boe and Charlotte all produced encouraging displays. Paris Michaelson was outstanding in defence and earned the team’s individual award. Player of the Match: Paris Michaelson.
U13 Boys — 3–3 at Llandudno Amateurs
There was no shortage of action at the Oval as the U13s shared six goals with Llandudno Amateurs. The hosts struck first, but Phoenix responded when Alfie Parry created an opening for Frankie Davies to bring the scores level.
Amateurs regained the lead from a corner soon afterwards. Phoenix refused to let that setback define the half: Parry produced another excellent run and found Davies again, who finished for his second goal of the game and made it 2–2.
A further set-piece goal put Amateurs ahead after the break, only for captain Lewis Dixon to level in the 62nd minute. Phoenix continued to look for a winner. Dixon was brought down during another promising attack, but no penalty was awarded and the match finished 3–3.
Both teams contributed to an entertaining contest. The Amateurs coaches selected Alfie Parry as their Phoenix Player of the Match, while Frankie Davies also deserves credit for his two finishes. Both were among the club’s standout performers this week.
U15 Boys — Tough afternoon at Prestatyn Sports
After Wednesday’s close win, the U15s faced a very strong Prestatyn Sports side away from home. Phoenix were beaten 8–0, but continued working throughout a difficult match. The short turnaround made for a demanding week, and the group will take the lessons from both fixtures into their next game.
Morgan Griffith showed an excellent work rate across the full 80 minutes and set an example with his determination. Player of the Match: Morgan Griffith.
U16 Boys — 6–0 win over Colwyn Bay
The U16s produced a convincing performance against Colwyn Bay, combining good teamwork with an assured finish to the game. Austin Peel scored once and supplied two assists, playing a major part in the win. Player of the Match: Austin Peel.
U17 Boys — 3–1 win over Llandudno
The U17s came through a competitive meeting with Llandudno to take a 3–1 victory. Oliver Evans scored twice and Finn Steer added the third as Phoenix made their chances count.
At the other end, goalkeeper Alf Smith gave the team a dependable presence in a game that demanded concentration throughout. Player of the Match: Alf Smith.
Sunday 20 September
U6 Boys — Encouraging progress against Colwyn Bay Seagulls
The U6s gave everything in a lively game with Colwyn Bay Seagulls, finishing on the wrong side of a close 9–7 scoreline. The coaches were especially pleased with the progress the boys have made in just a week and with the effort shown by every player.
Charlie Hughes earned the individual award after a performance that stood out in a committed team display. Player of the Match: Charlie Hughes.
U7s — Football and smiles against Llanrwst
The U7s’ game with Llanrwst brought goals, celebrations and plenty of enthusiasm from both sides. It was another valuable chance for the players to build confidence and enjoy playing together. Players of the Match: Theo Evans and Noah Williams.
U8 Girls and Boys — Two lively games at Cae Sling
The U8 girls had a busy morning with two closely contested games and plenty of time on the pitch for all 11 players. Penrhyn Bay edged one game 5–4, with Phoenix creating enough opportunities to take encouragement despite the narrow defeat. The girls also faced the Pen boys in a high-scoring club game that gave both groups another chance to learn and enjoy their football.
There were smiles throughout the morning, alongside useful things to work on in training. Players of the Match — girls: Sienna Birdsall-Jones and Margot Barrie; boys: Elliot Wilson and Cai Campbell.
U9 Boys — Strong showing at Colwyn Bay
The U9s enjoyed an excellent morning at Colwyn Bay, putting together a confident team display on a fine playing surface. Their positive football and willingness to work for one another made the performance as pleasing as the win itself.
Kaylen Griffiths was recognised for a standout contribution. Player of the Match: Kaylen Griffiths.
Senior Roundup
Men’s First Team — 2–0 win over Broughton United
The first team made it back-to-back league victories with a 2–0 home win against Broughton United. James Hobson scored in each half as Phoenix earned three points and a clean sheet at Cae Sling.
Read Alwyn Teasdale’s full match report for the key moments from the game.
Veterans — 6–3 win over Penyffordd
The Veterans claimed an eventful 6–3 victory against Penyffordd, with James Hobson scoring five and debutant Andrew Williams adding the sixth.
Hobson opened the scoring after 15 minutes with an effort from near the byline that looped over the goalkeeper. He soon doubled the lead with a measured chip, but Penyffordd pulled a goal back after the half-hour mark. Just before the break, Jamie Jones found Hobson, who struck a powerful left-footed finish into the bottom corner to send Phoenix in 3–1 ahead.
The visitors responded strongly after half-time and were level at 3–3 by the hour. Phoenix needed another response, and Hobson provided it with two goals in a four-minute spell to restore the lead. Williams then marked his Veterans debut with a composed finish into the bottom corner, completing the scoring.
It was a welcome result for the group after a game that swung in both directions. At the end of the weekend, the Veterans sat second in the table with two wins from their first four fixtures.
Around the Club
Ysgol Capelulo at the Urdd Tournament
PPFC coach Dave Roberts had the pleasure of coaching Ysgol Capelulo at the Urdd tournament. The school went unbeaten through the group stage with four wins, one draw and no goals conceded — a superb collective effort.
Their quarter-final against Ysgol Pencae brought a special club connection, with several Phoenix U11 players lining up on opposite sides. An exciting game finished 1–1 after extra time, before Pencae won the penalty shootout. Well done to both schools, and to all the PPFC boys and girls who represented their teams so well.