Connah’s Quay claimed the bragging rights in the Deeside Derby as Mike Wilde’s late second-half goal inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Flint Town United.
Wilde’s 81st-minute goal ensured a ninth straight victory for Andy Morrison’s side, as well as securing a double over their local rivals.
Their victory puts them to the top of the Cymru Premier after making the most of their game in hand over The New Saints.
Flint, who remain in the relegation zone, battled well but were narrowly defeated by the defending champions.
The Silkmen were the first team to have a chance when Josh Amis did well to put Callum Bratley in for an attack as he hit a powerful shot at goal but Oliver Byrne got down to save well and the Nomads were able to clear.
Amis and Bratley were finding an understanding in the game and linked up well again for the second chance of the game as Callum Bratley tried to hit it in to the top left corner of the goal but Byrne continued to pull off some fine saves to keep the game level.
Flint continued to have more of the ball for the duration of the first ten minutes but Connahs Quay did well and frustrated the Silkmen.
Connah’s Quay had their first chance to open the scoring when recent signing Neil Danns found explosive wing-back Danny Davies who then proceeded to hit a curled effort at goal but John Rushton was alert to his effort.
Flint then proceeded to frustrate their Deeside counterparts and nearly took the lead when Jordan Buckley was brought down by John Disney and earnt a free kick in a dangerous area for his side.
Rob Hughes took the resulting free kick and hit a powerful low drive but again the Nomads keeper was wise enough to save his shot. Moments later Jordan Buckley nearly opened the scoring from the resulting corner but he could only head wide from the set piece.
As the first half minutes trickled down the game got more fiery with tackles flying everywhere and Flint received three bookings in quick succession.
Connah’s Quay then turned it up a notch and had a few half chances at the Flint goal but none enough to really test Rushton.
The last real chance of the half fell to the visitors seven minutes from the end of the first half when one experienced player linked with another. Neil Danns hit a cross into the box and found captain George Horan but he could only hit wide which resulted in the game being goalless at the break.
The second half began and Connah’s Quay made a change with recent signing Johnny Hunt coming on in replace of John Disney. The half began very differently from the first half as Connah’s Quay applied the pressure from the get go and looked fired up.
The Nomads nearly opened the scoring early on as Declan Poole hit a delightful cross into the box and found Wilde but his headed effort was superbly saved by John Rushton the Flint Town goalkeeper.
The away side continued to apply more pressure and had a few more half chances with the most notable being Wilde’s header over the bar after a Danny Holmes long throw in but Flint battled tremendously to hold against their nearby neighbours.
With the game on an even keel, Neil Gibson looked to Sam Hart and Conor Harwood as fresh the fresh legs to change things, but it had the opposite effect. Wilde broke the deadlock to put the Nomads ahead as he showcased his physical qualities.From a long Oliver Byrne free-kick, Wilde was able to flick a header past Rushton to put his side ahead with ten minutes remaining.
In the late stages of the match, Flint searched for an equaliser and were denied by the heroics of Byrne as Maher’s shot from the right was saved well before a defensive clearance.
Another effort followed up but it deflected over the bar with Flint left empty handed as Nomads showed their bottle to guard their lead and win the derby.
Flint Town United – J. Rushton, B. Nash, E. Clarke, B. Maher (c), E. Gumbs, K. Edwards, R. Hughes (S. Hart 70), R. Foulkes (C. Harwood 70), J. Amis, J. Buckley (T. Weir 80), C. Bratley (R. Weaver 58). Unused Subs – R. Woods (GK), J. Hampson
Yellow Cards:
Connah’s Quay Nomads: O. Byrne, J. Disney (J. Hunt 46), D. Poole, G. Horan (c), D. Harrison, C. Morris, D. Davies (T. Moore), D. Holmes, C. Curran, N. Danns, M. Wilde. Unused Subs – K. Calderbank-Park (GK), D. Tharne, S, Dool, C. Holland, S. Rickett
Goal: Mike Wilde 81′
Yellow Cards:
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