Stalemate In Connah's Quay

Jimmy McGlone continues his goalscoring streak as Flint Mountain battle to a draw against GAP Connah's Quay Academy

With the lacklustre performance last weekend seeing the club lose their recent unbeaten run at the hands of Offa Athletic, Flint Mountain looked to rebound immediately with an away trip to face GAP Connah's Quay Academy. The players could also look forward to playing on the artificial 3G pitch in Connah's Quay. Manager Rob Thelwell was forced into making several changes from last weekend, with Lee Evans returning between the sticks in place of Ricky Bennett, whilst captain Damon Griffiths recovered from injury to retake his place in the centre of defence. Richie Hughes and Dylan Roberts also regained starting places and Ryan Worrall made his first start for the club at right back.

As the game started, Flint Mountain knew that GAP would look to utilise the ball on the flat surface and get a fast paced, passing game going. With this mind, the players tried to soak up the pressure and catch GAP on the break. After a slow start to the game, Flint Mountain broke the deadlock after seventeen minutes. Picking up the ball in the centre, Richie Hughes played a long ball forward, which was dealt with by the GAP defence. Ian Jones raced through onto the ball, before slotting past the goalkeeper to score his first goal for the club. The lead was quickly doubled, as Jimmy McGlone continued with his goalscoring form with the second goal. Winger Chris Layne worked well down the left hand side, before pulling the ball back to McGlone on the penalty spot, who made no mistake from twelve yards.

Flint Mountain hoped they could hold out until half time with their two goal lead, but with a couple of minutes of the half to go, GAP found a way back into the game with a fantastic strike. On the right hand side, the GAP player cut inside past left back Shane Owens, before curling the ball into the top corner, leaving Lee Evans with no chance.

In the second half, Flint Mountain did not get started and GAP punished them for it. In quick succession, two strikes from the edge of the penalty area found their way into the net, as GAP took the lead. Goalkeeper Lee Evans was unlucky as the first shot squirmed out of his grasp, before a second shot rebounded onto him into the net. The game seemed to be reaching a stalemate, so manager Thelwell freshened up the attack with two substitutions. Chris Layne and Dylan Roberts made way, as Ryan Jones and Scott Forrester entered the fray on the Mountain wings. The move paid dividends quickly, as Scott Forrester, playing in an unfamiliar left wing position, played an enticing ball over the GAP defence. Jimmy McGlone controlled the ball well, but his initial effort was saved by the goalkeeper. McGlone kept his cool though, and slotted home the rebound.

With the game entering the final stages, Flint Mountain pressed for a winner, with Jimmy McGlone hitting the crossbar, only for play to be pulled back for an offside decision. Despite their best efforts, the Mountain were unable to find a way through and were left having to settle for a draw.

The result sees Flint Mountain retain their third place spot, moving level with Halkyn United, those game was called off earlier in the day. Next up for Flint Mountain is the first round of the Premier Cup. Next week's opponents will be Bradley Park. The two sides have yet to meet this season, but Flint Mountain will be confident of victory, with Bradley yet to record a first win of the season. We hope you can join us.

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