Flint Town United ended a three game losing streak to defeat Penybont in an impressive display.
Goals from Sam Hart and Callum Bratley towards the end of the first half gave the visitors a two-goal cushion going into the dying moments.
A better second half performance from Rhys Griffiths’ side saw Lewis Clutton score an injury time consolation goal, but it was not enough to inspire a late comeback.
Penybont failed to increase the points gap between themselves and fifth-place Barry Town United, while results elsewhere mean Flint remain in 11th position.
First-half dominance from Flint
The visitors undoubtedly were the stronger of the two sides in the first half.
The Silkmen’s intensity and desire to press Penybont was the difference between the two sides early on.
Two goals in the space of five minutes towards the end of the first half gave the side a two-goal advantage.
Despite conceding 42 goals so far this season, Flint’s defence remained strong throughout, with Penybont unable to create a plethora of goal-scoring opportunities.
Half-time changes made a difference
Penybont made three changes at half-time, with Lewis Clutton, Matthew Harris and Sam Snaith replacing Connor Davies, Oli Dalton and Ben Ahmun.
The changes allowed the side to play with three at the back, giving make-shift wing-backs Kane Owen and Kostya Georgievsky the opportunity to roam forward.
19-year-old Lewis Clutton played remarkably well in the second half, as his pace and quick-feet caused problems for the Flint defenders.
The ex-Bristol Rovers academy player was rewarded for his efforts, as he scored his first goal for Penybont in injury time.
Competitive affair
The competitive nature of the tie was showcased by the number of yellow cards shown – nine players and one coach.
An aggressive coming together in the second half saw four yellow cards being shown. They were distributed evenly between the two sides.
Josh Amis played well
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Flint Town United striker Josh Amis played fantastically.
He was unfortunate not to score a few; he headed wide early on, forced a superb save out of Ashley Morris and struck wide.
Amis did put the ball in the back of the net in the second half, although it was disallowed as the referee claimed the striker had fouled Penybont defender Ismail Yakubu.
He was at the forefront of Flint’s impressive first half display, with the majority of their attacks involving the 26-year-old.
Paul Bodin in attendence
Wales U21 boss Paul Bodin was at the SDM Glass Stadium for the fixture.
Likely candidates for the reason of his visit are Penybont’s Connor Davies and Lewis Clutton.
Davies is a 19-year-old full-back who has settled in superbly in his first season at the club.
Clutton, who hasn’t received a large volume of minutes this season, has impressed when called upon, and will hope his goal can begin a run of fine form.
(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell/Penybont FC)
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