Worrall To The Rescue

A brace from Ryan Worrall gives Flint Mountain another much needed three points in the hunt for the Clwyd East League

With the clocks moving forward over the weekend, it brought with it the beginning of midweek games to help complete the league fixtures that were postponed due to the winter weather. After two promising home wins over Bradley Park and Mostyn Dragons, next up for Flint Mountain was the short trip to Shotton to face mid-table Aston Park Rangers. Injuries forced a small change to the recently unchanged side, as Ricky Bennett replaced Ryan Roberts between the sticks, whilst Andy Probert pulled up before the game with a back injury, but was able to take a place on the substitutes bench. Shane Owens was the man to replace him.

The first half was a largely drab affair, with both sides struggling to put together a string of passes. Despite this, the game come to life in the twelfth minute, as Aston Park took the lead. Under pressure in his own half, Jake Williams mishit his pass and it was intercepted. The Aston Park midfielder picked up the ball and ran towards goal before hitting a speculative effort. The ball wasn't hit well, but somehow looped over a stranded Ricky Bennett and into the top corner.

Aston's lead was short lived, however, as Flint Mountain equalised within a minute. Right from the kick off, Flint Mountain forced a corner. Shane Owens swung in the ball, which was met by Richie Hughes. Hughes' header was saved and as the defender attempted a clearance, the ball hit Ryan Worrall and into the back of the net. The game calmed down again, before Ryan Worrall grabbed his second of the game with six minutes of the half remaining. From corner, this time delivered by Kieran Farr, Worrall lost his marker and directed his close range headed effort into the back of the net.

In the second half, Flint Mountain looked to put the game to bed and dominated possession throughout the half. Long range efforts from Jimmy McGlone and Richie Hughes went close, before Dylan Roberts, on as a substitute, rattled the cross bar. Later in the half, Damon Griffiths had an effort cleared off the line and Lee Messham clipped the outside of the post. Despite the chances, Flint Mountain were unable to grab any more goals. Aston Park went close in the final few minutes, but Ricky Bennett made a smart save low to his left to keep the score the same.

Next up for Flint Mountain is a trip to face lowly Hawkesbury Bell. Hawkesbury were well beaten at Wat's Dyke Way back in August and Flint Mountain will be looking for a repeat performance in their quest to finish the season as high as possible.

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