Having gone in front, before falling behind to two goals in quick succession, Flint rallied once more, and equalised before going on to snatch the winner in a dramatic game at the Essity.
Compared to what was to come later in the game, the first half was fairly uneventful, although Caersws had an early chance that was dragged wide of Rhys Williams’ goal before Flint had a good chance on 16 minutes from a corner. Anthony Stephens fired the ball goalwards, only to see it cleared off the line, before visiting keeper Jack Perry was called upon to deny Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro.
The Silkmen took the lead early on in the second period. They were awarded a penalty on 47 minutes when Joe Williams was bundled over as he collected a loose ball following a Luis Lacey effort, which the keeper had parried out. Akpa-Akpro stepped up and converted the spot kick.
On the hour mark, Flint had an opportunity to double the lead, when Elliott Reeves was set up after some nice link up play between Rhys Kavanagh and Akpa-Akpro. But he was unable to make it count as his shot was blasted over the bar.
That miss was punished shortly after as the Bluebirds equalised. They attacked down the right, getting in behind the Flint defence, and the ball was pulled back to Craig Harris who found the target.
If got worse for the home side, as Caersws struck again in the 66th minute. This time Rhys Hesden getting the goal, as they caught the Silkmen cold with their pace on the break.
Harley Peagram was introduced into the game, and immediately brought a new dynamism to the Flint attack.
From a corner on 75 minutes, Sol Forde rose highest to get his side back on terms and set up an exciting finish to the game.
With 3 minutes of normal time remaining, Peagram pounced on a loose ball in midfield, before showing some nice skill to slide it through to Reeves, whose shot from 12 yards beat Perry to edge his side in front once again.
It was encouraging that despite suffering a setback, Flint had the mettle to come again and their persistence was eventually rewarded with all three points. This is exactly the type of attitude they will need to develop and maintain to become title contenders as the season progresses.
Line Ups :
Flint Town United – R. Williams, L. Lacey, J. Williams, A. Stephens(c) (J. Jones 75), S. Forde, D. Harrison (H. Cartwright 75) , J. Phillips, J. Owen, R. Kavanagh (H. Peagram 70 ), E. Reeves (B. Hughes 90), J-L Akpa-Akpro. Unused Sub – M. Roberts
Caersws – J. Perry, C. Williams, W.Evans (M. Mumford 85), B. Jones, H. Cottam (c), G. Mitten, N. Mitchell (D. Bates 88), C. Graybrook (J. Jones 82), R. Hesden (A. Harries 82), S. Phillips, C. Harris. Unused Sub – M. Roberts
Flint MOM – Jake Phillips (tremendous work rate for his side)
