After back to back wins against Bradley Park and Bellevue up in Wrexham, Flint Mountain found themselves once again making the trip to Wrexham to take on Rhosllanerchrugog. Rhos have had some mixed results in the North East Wales League, but would be a tougher test than the previous two games. With Flint Mountain's top scoring strikers unavailable, the job of leading the line fell to youngsters Dylan Roberts and Jack Aitken. Also returning to the team was Tommy O'Neil and Keiran Farr.
Rhos started the better team and after thirteen minutes, took the lead. Picking up the ball on the right, a lovely ball into the penalty area found the Rhos striker, who found the corner of the net. Rhos' energy seemed to dwindle after the goal and Flint Mountain began to grow into the game. The pressure then paid off, as Flint Mountain equalised through Jack Aitken. Alex Millington fired a straight ball towards the strikers, where Dylan Roberts' header helped the ball into the path of Aitken. He then pushed into the penalty area, before rifling his effort past the helpless Rhos goalkeeper.
The combination of Jake Williams and Karl Griffiths in the middle of the park was proving fruitful and their hard work and tenacity helped Flint Mountain as they took the lead just after the half an hour mark. From a Flint Mountain breakaway, Dylan Roberts shook off his marker, before his low effort was well saved by the Rhos goalkeeper. Despite his best efforts, the goalkeeper could only push the ball into the path of Jack Aitken, who fired home from close range.
In the second half, Rhos started the half much like the first, and thought they had equalised from a free kick, only for the goal be scratched off due to the player being offside. Rhos then had an effort hit the bar before going out for a goal kick. Flint Mountain were able to hold firm, before a swift attack saw them increase their lead. A long ball forward found David James Jones, who got to the byline and delivered a cross for Jack Aitken, who got ahead of his marker and turned the ball past the goalkeeper.
With time running out and Rhos chasing for a winner, Jack Aitken then delivered the final nail in the coffin, with his fourth goal, six minutes from time. From a Rhos throw in, a misplaced pass towards the Rhos defender was intercepted by Aitken. Once one on one with the goalkeeper, he cleverly allowed the ball to bypass the stranded keeper, before tapping into the empty net.
Next up for Flint Mountain is the first of their cup competitions this season, where Marchweil Villa will provide the opposition in the preliminary round of the Premier Cup.
#WeAreTheMountain
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Plas Madoc FC | 26 | 69 |
2. | Penyffordd Lions | 26 | 60 |
3. | Offa Athletic | 26 | 57 |
4. | Airbus Broughton UK Youth | 26 | 49 |
5. | Connahs Quay Nomads U18 | 26 | 49 |
6. | Acton FC | 26 | 46 |
7. | Flint Mountain | 26 | 44 |