Flint made it two wins on the bounce, as they edged out Haverfordwest County in an exciting, competitive game, earning their first home points of the season as a result. The win, coupled with Aberystwyth’s defeat over the weekend meant the Silkmen climbed to 10th place in the table.
The promise that was on show during our previous match against Aber, was repeated here, but enhanced by a gritty, defensive display against an experienced and formidable Haverfordwest side, who were looking to come away from the Essity with all 3 points for the second time already this season, having previously defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads here, on the opening weekend.
The all important goal was scored four minutes into the second period when Ben Hughes smartly slotted home from Bobby Beaumont’s cross, following typically dogged work from the wing back in chasing the ball down and gaining possession.
The visitors had enjoyed the better of the opening stages, and when Ricky Watts chipped a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Corey Shepherd, it seemed as though the Bluebirds skipper would give his side the lead as he slid it past the oncoming Jack Flint. However, Izaack Lambert had other ideas, and scampered back to execute a perfect goal line clearance.
Shepherd then tried his luck with a free kick, but Flint was equal to it, springing across his goal to his right to beat out the shot.
Having shown great resilience at the back, with Harry Owen and Lambert stamping themselves on the game, Flint sprang forward to great effect in the 49th minute. An Owen long ball was initially met by County keeper Zac Jones, who found Watts on the left touchline. But Beaumont was on him in a flash, robbed the ball and surged to the bye-line, before picking out the unmarked Hughes in the box, who did the rest.
Elliott Reeves kept Jones honest, when he forced him into a decent stop as he sidestepped a defender in the area, before unleashing a shot.
Flint then produced an excellent save low down to his right to maintain his side’s slender advantage, when Greg Walters fired in from just inside the box. Ben Fawcett unable to adjust in time to fully take advantage of the loose ball, and it was smuggled away.
At the other end, Jones pulled off an equally good save to deny Reeves, who had been picked out by an impressive long ball from Jake Phillips.
The Bluebirds almost got back on terms when Shepherd hit a curling effort from wide on the left, but it came back off the woodwork, with Flint, for once, beaten.
This was the perfect follow up performance and result to that of the previous week, and encapsulated the spirit within Lee Fowler’s side, who are learning quickly what it takes to be successful in games in this league.
Report by Nigel Sheen
Line Ups :
Flint Town United – J. Flint, B. Beaumont, M. Burke, I. Lambert, H. Owen (c), S. Fofana J. Phillips, B. Hughes (H. Peagram 86), E. Reeves, (T. Mfuni 90), F. Yonsian (L. Mariette 79), J. Jones. Unused Subs – L. Murphy (GK), L. Morrison, R. Oakley, H. Cartwright
Haverfordwest County – Z. Jones, K. McCarthy, J. Owen, G Walters, L. Tabone (K. Kenniford 86), L. Jenkins, R. Watts, C. Shepherd (c), B. Fawcett (O. Jones 75), B. Ahmun, I. Humphries (H. John 46) Unused Subs – I. Knott (GK), A. Jones, D. John, F. Picton
Flint MOM – Harry Owen (a gritty captain’s performance from the man at the heart of defence)
