Mountain Well Beaten In Acton

Flint Mountain leave Acton empty handed as goals from Mike Reid and Leon Pickford are not enough to prevent defeat

With recent results, there was a renewed sense of optimism as Flint Mountain looked to finish the season strongly. Manager Rob Marshall was forced into changes from Thursday's win over Mostyn Dragons, with a few players unavailable. Returning to the starting line up were Liam Mortimer, Leon Pickford, Mike Reid, Dylan Roberts and Mark Hughes, whilst Karl Leighton was on hand to deputise in goal.

Acton started brightly and it did not take them long to get going, opening the scoring after just five minutes. A lovely ball was played to the far side of the Mountain penalty area. The striker controlled the ball, before firing low into the bottom corner. Mountain seemed to wake up at this stage, but despite a string of corners and pressure deep in the Acton half, could not muster any meaningful shots on goal.

Midway through the half, Acton should have doubled the lead when they somehow missed the target, despite having a three-on-one chance. They did make up for it two minutes before the half. In similar circumstances, Acton found themselves past the Mountain defence. Getting into the penalty area, the ball was squared to another Acton striker, who tapped into the empty net.

In the second half, Flint Mountain looked sharp as they pressed to get back into the game. After a free kick was awarded outside the penalty area, Jimmy McGlone rolled the ball to Mike Reid, who smashed a vicious shot into the top corner for his second goal of the season. The comeback did not last long, however, as Acton dealt Mountain a hammer blow with two goals in quick succession. Again racing through, despite calls for offside, the Acton striker composed himself and calmly chipped the ball over Karl Leighton and into the net. Just minutes later, the ball was crossed perfectly into the box, where an Acton midfielder arrived at the back post to head into the net.

Mountain attempted to rally and get something from the game. After finally stringing together some neat passes, Jack Aitken played in Leon Pickford, who slid fired past the Acton goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. Despite more pressure as the game drew to a close, Mountain rarely tested the keeper, and Acton held on to secure a deserved win.

Next up for Flint Mountain is the last of their three games over the bank holiday weekend, as they welcome lowly Bradley Park to the Northop Hall Pavilion. The team will be eager to put this defeat out of their minds quickly with a win.

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