Edmonds Hat Trick Sinks Caerwys

A Jon Edmonds hat trick and a goal for the returning Marc Gunther secure another vital three points against Caerwys at the School

A week on from securing a semi-final place in the Goals Premier Cup at the expense of holders Airbus Academy, Flint Mountain faced another trick trip up to Caerwys, to take on the league's third placed side. The Mountain had won both previous meetings between the sides this season, but with second placed Acton not in action this weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to make the most of the situation and gain some more vital points on the board. Mountain manager Rob Marshall made a couple of changes from the cup game last week, with Keiran Farr and Lee Messham making the step up from the bench, with Dean Hughes and Jimmy McGlone dropping out. There was also a place on the subs bench for Marc Gunther, who re-signed for the club from Holywell Town in the week.

Caerwys looked to threaten in the opening moments, forcing Kirk Russell to claim a cross fired in from the right. The Mountain then showed why they are top of the league with a fantastic opening goal after eight minutes. Sean and Jake Williams exchanged one touch passing around the Caerwys midfield, before the ball was played behind the defence to Jack Aitken. Aitken controlled the ball and delivered a low cross from the byline across goal, where Jon Edmonds got to the ball ahead of his marker, steering the ball into the net off the bottom of the post.

The big talking point of the game come after nineteen minutes. Whilst challenging for a ball in the air, the Caerwys captain deliberately swung an elbow in the face of Sean Williams, leaving the Mountain midfielder with blood pouring from his mouth and requiring treatment, before rejoining the action. The referee was left with no option but to give the Caerwys player his marching orders. Despite being a man down, Caerwys were stubborn in defence and Flint Mountain were limited to half chances throughout the rest of the half.

In the second half, an expected Caerwys fightback was quickly extinguished with two goals inside the first ten minutes of the second half. It only four minutes of the half for Flint Mountain to double their lead, thanks to a brace from Jon Edmonds. Once again, Edmonds had Jack Aitken to thank for an assist. After being released down the left against the Caerwys defence, Aitken powered past them, before looking up and delivering a perfect ball to Edmonds, who was arriving late in the penalty area, firing a low shot past the Caerwys goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Mountain had their third goal. Marc Gunther, on as a substitute just moments earlier, met a corner from Sean Williams and headed into the net with his first touch of the ball.

Caerwys tried in vain to get back into the game, but their best effort was a curling effort towards the top corner, which narrowly went wide. With twelve minutes remaining, Mountain had their fourth and Edmonds had completed his hat trick. Jake Williams was brought down just inside the penalty area. With usual penalty taker Sean Williams being substituted earlier, there was no feeling of dread that he would miss another penalty, after a miss against Bellevue earlier in the season. The task was given to Edmonds, who confidently stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom corner. Mountain were unlucky not to add a fifth goal late on, but Marc Gunther's low shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Next up for Flint Mountain is a Queensferry Sports President's Cup second round clash against second placed Acton. Both sides will be hopeful of victory, but Flint Mountain have home advantage and the added bonus of a win over their opponents in the league earlier in the season.