Mountain Sweep Aside Youngsters

Goals from Jon Edmonds, Lee Messham and Jack Aitken give Flint Mountain a hard fought win over Airbus Academy at the Pavilion

With title rivals Acton having no game this weekend, Flint Mountain went into this game with the knowledge that a win would lift them to the top of the North East Wales League. In their way was Airbus Academy, who have had a mixed start to the season, but did prevail in all three clashes last season, including a 6-1 demolition in the Premier Cup semi final.

Manager Rob Marshall maintained the bulk of the side that triumphed against Mold last week, with Dylan Roberts and Lee Messham coming in for Rob Rush and Jimmy McGlone, who were both unavailable.

Flint Mountain started the better side, but it was the away team who opened the scoring after twelve minutes. Central defender Mark Williams brought down his man in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. The Airbus midfielder stepped up and confidently despatched the ball past Mountain goalkeeper Kirk Russell. Midway through the half, Flint Mountain won a free kick just outside the six yard box after the referee picked up a back pass. Whilst trying to take it quickly, the referee pulled the play back, with the retake hitting the wall and then being cleared.

Despite being a goal down, Flint Mountain looked much the better team and their persistence paid off just before half time, with an equaliser from Jon Edmonds. Edmonds picked up a loose clearance in the penalty area, shifted right and fired low across the goal. The Airbus goalkeeper was able to get a hand on the ball, but could not prevent the ball finding the bottom corner.

The home side continued their pressure into the second half when they took the lead for the first time in the game, just three minutes after the restart. Jon Edmonds turned provider on this occasion. He picked up the ball on the right, easily beat his man and got to the byline, where he played the ball across the goal for Lee Messham to tap into the net unmarked.

Airbus showed they were not out of the game as they fought back and equalised just a few minutes later. This time, Kirk Russell had no chance as the Airbus player fired a shot towards the top corner, which hit the bar and bounced onto the goal line, before nestling into the net. With sixteen minutes remaining, Flint Mountain retook the lead with a decisive third goal. After a corner had broken down, the ball was played out to Sean Williams on the right. Williams fired a low, dangerous cross into the area, which evaded all of the Airbus defenders. Jack Aitken was well placed to glance the ball past the goalkeeper and into the corner. The home side were then able to control the play until the final whistle and secure all three points.

Next up for Flint Mountain is a top of the table clash against Acton. This weekend's result lifts Flint Mountain over Acton, with Acton having a game in hand. Both team are currently unbeaten in the league, with Acton currently having a 100% record. Victory for either side will give them an advantage in the race for the North East Wales League. we hope to see you there!