Newtown 1-0 Flint Town United: Evans’ purple patch continues Robins play-off push

Newtown continued their rich vein of form in the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with a 1-0 victory over Flint Town United at Latham Park.

Jordan Evans broke the deadlock early in the second half in a match that the hosts largely dominated, but were unable to replicate the free-scoring football the Robins have displayed in recent weeks.

The win sees Newtown maintain their unbeaten run and move three points clear of Haverfordwest in the race for a European play-off place.

Despite a lack of goalmouth action in the opening exchanges, it was a feisty encounter at Latham Park as the Play-Off Conference’s two in-form sides battled to take the initiative.

Newtown who grew more comfortably into the game and it was Evans who first threatened the Flint goal, firing just over the bar after neat build-up play down the Robins’ right.

Lifumpa Mwandwe looked bright from the outset and the winger came closest to opening the scoring in the first half. After some lovely skill to beat his man, he drew a smart save from Jonathan Rushton who palmed the ball past the post.

Flint struggled to get off any meaningful shots on goal in the first period and were limited to set pieces and shots from distance.

Newtown dominated the beginning of the second half and their efforts bore fruit.

Flint failed to clear their lines after sustained pressure and the ball fell to Evans, who fired in from a tight angle for his sixth goal in as many games.

Flint were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities in the second half and became increasingly vulnerable to Newtown attacks as the game became more stretched. Ofori should have doubled the lead, only to head the ball wide after being picked out at the back post by a delicious cross from Alex Fletcher. 

Mwandwe’s pace and trickery was a constant threat and he nearly doubled the hosts’ advantage a few minutes later as he chipped a bouncing ball over the last defender, only for Jonathan Rushton to close the distance quickly and smother the chance.

The winger should have made it as Evans’ ball across the box found Mwandwe in the six-yard box, but he could only fire straight at the keeper with the goal at his mercy.

A succession of late corners was the only period of sustained pressure the visitors could muster, but Newtown held firm to secure the three points.

Newtown’s Jordan Evans said: “I’m absolutely made up to hit double figures this season. I am so buzzing with the win and the result. There are four huge games to go now!”

Newtown: Dave Jones, Kieran Mills-Evans, Jordan Evans (Ryan Edwards, 82), James Davies (Nick Rushton, 46), Craig Williams (C), Tyrone Ofori (Jamie Breese, 72), George Hughes, Shane Sutton, Alex Fletcher, Lifumpa Mwandwe (Jake Phillips, 90), Callum Roberts.

Goals: Jordan Evans 53′

Yellow Cards: Callum Roberts 28, Lifumpa Mwandwe 71, George Hughes 90+5

Flint Town United: John Rushton, Sam Hart, Ben Nash, Richie Foulkes (C), Josh Amis, Alex Jones, Ross Weaver (Mason Blakwell-Jones, 84), Evan Gumbs, Tom Weir (Callum Bratley, 46), Ben Maher, Jake Hampson.

Yellow Cards: Alex Jones 16, Ross Weaver 34, Ben Maher 73, Richie Foulkes 90+2

(Featured Image: John Smith/FAW)