Mountain Leave Broughton Empty Handed

Despite leading at half time, Flint Mountain to another defeat at the hands of Airbus Academy at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium

The games continue to come thick and fast as the end of the season approaches. In the penultimate away game of the season, Flint Mountain looked to avenge last month's semi-final defeat, as they made the short trip to take on Airbus Academy. Kirk Russell was restored between the sticks after missing the last two games, whilst Mark Williams and Dylan Roberts also returned to the starting line up.

Airbus started much the brighter side and were ahead after just five minutes of the game. With a corner swung into the box, Kirk Russell dropped the ball into his own net after being bumped into by one of his own players! The young academy side continued to press forward before Flint Mountain finally got back into the game midway through the half. After Mountain had won a free kick outside the penalty area, right back Leon Pickford curls the ball low into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper stranded to his spot.

With Mountain now back into the game, they seemed to counter the threat of Airbus and just after the half hour point, they took the lead. After stealing the ball, Mountain got into the penalty area, before a cross was handled by an Airbus defender, and the referee pointed to the spot. Jimmy McGlone confidently stepped up, and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Just before the half time, Kirk Russell made amends for his early mistake, with a fantastic fingertip save, before Airbus were then awarded their own penalty, with Leon Pickford bringing down the striker. Airbus stepped up, but Kirk Russell was equal to it, correctly guessing and easily saving the penalty.

The second half proved to be full of incidents. An off the ball incident started the proceedings, before Kirk Russell made a succession of saves to deny Airbus an equaliser. It wasn't until twenty minutes from time that Airbus did get an equaliser. Running through on goal, the Airbus player stroked the ball into the back of the net. Just two minutes later, Airbus retook the lead. Despite calls for offside, the referee somehow allowed play to continue, with the Airbus striker running through one on one and firing low under Russell and into the net.

With ten minutes to go, Flint Mountain were then reduced to ten men, with Mike Reid shown his marching orders for a second yellow card. Airbus made the most of this, and just before the final whistle, they added a fourth goal, which flattered the home side and confirmed a victory, meaning they will finish the season ahead of Flint Mountain in the final league table.

Next up for Flint Mountain is the final away trip of the season, where they make their way to Brymbo to take on Brymbo Victoria. Despite it being May, this is the first meeting between the two sides, so it will certainly make for an intriguing game.

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