Flint were given a lesson in taking your chances as they were defeated by current holders, The New Saints, in the Nathaniel MG Cup. Despite starting brightly, the Silkmen found themselves trailing after 13 minutes, when keeper Jack Flint missed his kick allowing the ball to go through to Caleb Afful who steered it home into an empty net.
Flint went some way to making amends for that error of judgement when he saved well from Sion Bradley.
But it was 2-0 after 24 minutes, when Leo Smith fired home from long range. And 2-0 became 3-0 just a couple of minutes later when Ben Woolam turned in Smith’s cross from close range.
It was effectively game over a that stage, but to their credit Flint kept plugging away and trying to play their football, with Florian Yonsian working hard up front for his side.
Indeed, in the early stages of the second half, the Silkmen created some half decent chances, with both Yonsian and Ben Wynne having sights of the TNS goal, but home keeper Jack Edwards saved the first effort whilst wynne’s went over the bar.
Just before the hour mark the Saints struck again. Bradley embarked on a fine run before supplying a cross to Jake Morris who volleyed home.
Skipper Harry Owen grabbed a consolation for Flint on 77 minutes when he headed home from a corner. But the four goal cushion was re-established when Saints were awarded a penalty with 9 minutes remaining. Bradley converted from the spot to make it 5-1.
Flint almost had the last say when Jake Phillips hit the crossbar from a free kick in added on time.
Despite the scoreline, it was an encouraging performance from Lee Fowler’s side, but the superior quality of the opposition in the final third made all the difference.
Photos courtesy & copyright F28.online
Line Ups :
The New Saints – J. Edwards, B. Hudson (S. Spender 82), H. McGahey (H. Clayton 46), S, Bradley (J. Davies-Sewell 87), L. Smith (c) (O. Blayney 46), J. Canavan, B. Woollam, N. Doforo, L. Johnston (T. Blaze 73), C. Afful, J. Morris. Unused Subs – O. Karolak (GK), L. Alamanos
Flint Town United – J. Flint, B. Beaumont (B. Hoban 90), M. Burke, A. Mudimu, H. Owen (c), H. Peagram (R. Oakley 47), J. Phillips, B. Hughes (H. Cartwright 73), F. Yonsian (L. Sumner 90), B. Wynne (G. Maire 73), J. Jones. Unused Sub – L. Murphy
Flint MOM – Floriant Yonsian (a tireless worker for his side)
