A brace from Ben Hughes, who continued his rich vein of form of late, steered the Silkmen to victory on a tricky, heavy pitch at a rain soaked Caersws. The hosts pulled a goal back in added on time to put a little jeopardy back into proceedings, but by then it was effectively job done for Flint, and they saw out the remaining minute or so in reasonable comfort.
The first half was a fairly even handed affair, and the Bluebirds looked to catch Flint om the break, especially as their high line gave the home side plenty of space to run in behind. Indeed, the Flint backline were caught square on 10 minutes, when Sam Phillips burst through to get on the end of a long ball. Rhys Williams raced out to narrow the angle, and Phillips ended up shooting well over.
From that let off, Flint upped their game and soon took the lead. They had a spell of pressure in the Caersws half, and the home defence struggled to clear the ball. Hughes picked it up centrally around 22 yards from goal, sized up his options and planted a shot past Steffan Jones into the corner of the goal.
The Bluebirds continued to pose a threat though, and had a chance to equalise on 25 minutes. A long throw was delivered into a packed penalty box and with the muddy conditions proving difficult, with defenders slipping, Williams was called upon to produce a great reaction save to deny ‘Sws the leveller. This was followed up by some good defensive blocks to prevent the rebound being forced home.
Three minutes into the second half and the game was effectively made safe for Flint when they scored their second. Jake Phillips had the ball in space on the left, and made the most of it, by standing up a terrific ball to the far post area, where Hughes ghosted in to apply the finishing touch and claim his second goal of the game.
The visitors were now in control, and it was their turn to try and hit on the break, as they adopted a compact defensive and midfield shape.
On three separate occasions Josh Jones had opportunities to increase the score, as he was released into a one on one situation with Jones in the Caersws goal. First, on 70 minutes, he was released by Luis Lacey, who chipped a delightful ball into his path, but his namesake made a great stop to deny him. Then, shortly after, Elliott Reeves slipped a ball through to him, but Jones once again denied the Flint striker by diving low and palming the ball away. Finally, on 78 minutes, the forward was sent through once more, this time courtesy of Jay Owen. Jones went for power, but his shot was blasted wide of the target.
The consolation goal for the home side arrived deep into stoppage time. A ball was sent over from the left by George Mitten, and met by Rhys Hesden who outjumped Luis Lacey, sending a looping header over Williams and under the crossbar.
From the restart, Caersws were awarded a free kick, which was effectively their last chance to salvage something from the game. The ball was played into the box, but some determined Flint defending meant the danger was cleared, and the referee’s whistle brought proceedings to an end.
Report by Nigel Sheen
Line Ups :
Caersws FC – S. Jones, C. Williams, J. Jones (C. Francis-Jones 71), C. Bennett, H. Cottam (c), B, Jones, N. Mitchell, G. Mitten, R. Hesden, C. Harris, S. Phillips (W. Evans 83). Unused Subs – J. Perry (GK), A. Harries, C. Graybrook, J. Cook, J. Jones
Flint Town United – R. Williams, J. Phillips, S. Forde, A. Stephens (c), L. Sirrell (J. Williams 62), P. Lacey, L. Lacey, B. Hughes (D. Harrison 56), E. Reeves (H. Peagram 86), B. Wynne (J. Owen 46), J. Jones. Unused Subs – L. Murphy (GK), M. Burke, J-L Akpa-Akpro
Flint MOM – Jake Phillips (a typical all action performance from the energetic midfielder who set the tone for his side)
