Despite a much improved performance by the Silkmen compared to the previous week, the game was effectively taken from them by a two goal burst in the space of a minute just before the interval. Although they had been trailing to a 28th minute James Crole strike, they were still very much in contention, until Bont’s double in first half added on time put the game beyond their reach. Nevertheless, they regrouped, and produced a solid second half showing, pulling one goal back through skipper Harry Owen, but were unable to pierce the home side’s resolute defence to get the second which might have been the catalyst for a remarkable comeback.
Other than the goals which were scored, opportunities for either side were few and far between, with both defences dealing well with the opposition attack.
Penybont applied plenty of early pressure, but the Silkmen remained composed and resisted it, with keeper Jack Flint remaining relatively untroubled. However, they were unable to create any openings at the other end, as a stalemate looked to be developing. That all changed just before the half hour mark though, when a fine through ball caught the away defence momentarily flat footed. Up to that point, ‘Bont had mainly been trying to attack down the flanks and were being successfully stifled, but on this occasion, Crole was released through the middle, won his foot race with Isaack Lambert and produced a classy finish when he dinked the ball over Flint.
As the game entered first half stoppage time, the home side won a couple of corners. On the second of these, Mael Davies lost his marker, met the cross from Kane Owen, and sent his header spiralling into the net. Just as it looked as though Flint were going into the break just one goal behind, this was a bitter blow, but worse was to follow, as the home side struck again almost immediately afterwards.
Having won possession back in the midfield, the ball was fed to Nathan Wood out on the left, who was allowed to run to the bye-line and deliver a cross that found arch predator Chris Venables on the 6 yard line, who tapped home to make it 3-0, leaving Flint stunned as the half time whistle blew.
Flint showed good strength of character to recover from this double setback, and reduced the arrears five minutes into the second half. A Jake Phillips corner was met by Owen who powered his header home from close range in front of a packed goal-line. With plenty of time still remaining, it was a case of whether they could now grab that second goal to put the pressure on Penybont to see if they would wobble. Unfortunately, however, it wasn’t to be with Billy Borge proving to be resolute in the home side’s backline. in terms of snuffing out danger.
With Flint continuing to press there was always the possibility they may get caught on the break, and Gabriel Kircough did break through but his weak finish was easily fielded by Flint. And with five minutes remaining, Kircough had another sight of goal, following a bout of pinball in the box. His header looped over Flint, but Isaac Lee was well placed to clear off the line.
At the end of regulation time, a scramble in the Penybont area led to the ball dropping to Elliott Reeves, but his body position wasn’t quite set and his hurried attempt flew wide of the target.
Having now played the top 3 sides home and away, and with 6 games of phase 1 remaining we must now look to pick up points against those sides in and around us as we look to improve our standing before the league splits.
Report by Nigel Sheen
Line Ups :
Penybont – A. Przybek, K. Ludvigsen, K. Owen (c), G. Kircough, B. Borge, M. Davies, C. Green, L. Harling, C. Venables, J. Crole (K. Georgeivsky 78), N. Wood (O. Pritchard 78). Unused Subs – M. Lewis (GK), L. Ware, I. Phillips, J. Woodiwiss, E. Bregua
Flint Town United – J. Flint, B. Beaumont (L. Mariette 85), M. Burke, I. Lambert, H. Owen (c), I. Lee, J. Phillips, B. Hughes, E. Reeves, F. Yonsian, J. Jones (T. Mfuni 90). Unused Subs – L. Murphy (GK), G. Maire, L. Morrison, H. Cartwright
Flint MOM – Ben Hughes (restored to the centre of the midfield he was clean and tidy in possession)
