Flint Town United V Caernarfon Town FC
Friday 23 December, 19:45
Town Dealt Huge Blow at Flint.
Flint Town United 2 – 1 Caernarfon.
Caernarfon were dealt a huge blow to their hopes of a top six finish at the end of the first phase as they lost to a last minute goal at Flint last night.
The hosts, who have found things difficult themselves this season, got off to a good start as they went ahead in the tenth minute courtesy of a superb Anthony Stevens goal, who found the net with a free kick from twenty yards.
The Cofis went close to an equaliser nine minutes later when a good move upfield from their own box ended with Joe Faux crossing the ball to Danny Gosset, who was tackled just as he was about to shoot, the ball ran to Noah Edwards and his close range effort was deflected for a corner.
The visitors were enjoying plenty of possession, as Flint kept most of their players behind the ball to defend their lead, although it must be said that they looked dangerous on the break, with Akpa- Akpro a real threat throughout.
Town’s man of the match, Joe Faux, was involved in most of his side’s best moments and a pinpoint cross from him on the half hour mark found Darren Thomas, who could not quite manage to steer the ball into the net from six yards. Despite all their possession, Caernarfon could not manage to get back on level terms before the break, with Gruff John and Marsh-Hughes both going close before hal-time.
The second period began with plenty of goalmouth action, as Darren Thomas threatened with an early long range effort that went wide, and at the other end Noah Edwards cleared an Akpa-Akpro header off the line. Sion Bradley saw his close range shot blocked whilst it was the turn of Aaron Simpson to clear off the Caernarfon line to thwart Cadwallader.
Faux finally got Huw Griffiths’ men back on par in the fifty second minute after finished an excellent run from his own half by beating Allen from an acute angle to level the score.
Bradley, Thomas, Gruff Jones and Danny Gosset all went close to giving Caernarfon the lead as Caernarfon continued to enjoy the lions’ share of possession but their keeper, Josh Tibbetts, had to be on his toes as Flint continued to threaten in stages.
As the match entered injury time, Flint secured the points after Akpa-Akpro set up substitute Llarnell Cole, who finished into an open goal from two yards.
It was a cruel end to the match for the Cofis, who will feel frustrated that their efforts had not been rewarded with at least a point. They have an opportunity to end their poor run of results on Boxing Day as they host Bala Town at the Oval. Huw Griffiths will be hoping for an improved performance and a bit of luck.
Tyn Lon Garage Man of the Match: Joe Faux.
Team: Josh Tibbetts, Iwan Cartwright, Laurie Bell, Aaron Simpson, Gruff John, Noah Edwards, Danny Gosset, Joe Faux, Sion Bradley, Darren Thomas, Lloyd Marsh-Hughes.
Subs (used): Rob Hughes, Alec Midimu. Not used: Tyler French, Osian Evans, Ben Wynne, Cai Griffiths.
