Two goals from Aaron Williams helped Newtown to pick up three points with a 2-1 victory over Flint.
The striker scored one from open play and one from the spot to put the Robins two up at half time. A Mark Cadwallader goal made the hosts worried, but a red card shown to Flint captain Alex Jones put the game beyond doubt, and the visitors couldn’t get any momentum going after that.
The result moves Newtown up to second place on 44 points, while Flint stay in fifth on 38 points.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the opening ten minutes. Flint had the first chance. Dan Roberts produced a fine volley from a Jake Phillips free kick, but Robins ‘keeper Dave Jones produced an even better save to keep it out.
Newtwon then went close through Fumpa Mwandwe. He rose highest to meet a cross by Zeli Ismail, but he couldn’t guide his header into the bottom corner.
The hosts, however, went ahead in the twelfth minute. Mwandwe headed the ball back across goal, which the Flint defence couldn’t clear. Eventually, Nick Rushton’s delicate header fell into the path of Aaron Williams, who dispatched his effort into the bottom corner on the turn.
Newtown then had a comfortable period of possession, but Flint rallied back into the game and had a glorious chance to equalise in the 27th minute. After a bit of pinball in the Newtown box, the ball fell to Alex Jones, but his effort was cleared off the line. That clearance fell to Mark Cadwallader, but his effort cannoned off the bar and Newtown eventually cleared the ball away.
Two minutes before half time, Aaron Williams should’ve scored. A wonderful through ball from Jake Walker found Williams in acres of space, but his shot was well saved by Jonathan Rushton, but the striker knew he should’ve done better.
Williams did have a chance to make up for his miss a minute later from the penalty spot. Ben Nash pulled down Shane Sutton, leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Williams stepped up and sent the Flint ‘keeper the wrong way and doubled the Robins’ lead going into the break.
Flint wasted no time in reducing the deficit and got a goal back six minutes into the second half. A free kick from Jake Phillips was flicked on by Alex Jones, and Mark Cadwallader was there to nod his effort past Dave Jones.
But the Silkmen’s task was made harder when captain Jones was sent off three minutes after the goal. An off the ball incident led to Jones pushing George Hughes down with his head, and the referee was quick to send the skipper off for an early shower.
Craig Williams then had a chance to get another for the hosts. His shot was initially blocked by the arm of Sam Hart, but the referee gave nothing. Williams then received the ball back from the arm of Nash, but he struck his effort against the post.
Newtown had another opportunity to put the game beyond doubt six minutes from the end, but Jonathan Rushton made a tremendous double save. Firstly, he kept out a low effort from Mwandwe before getting up straight away to keep out a header from his brother Nick Rushton.
But the Robins were not made to rue their missed chances and held on to take all three points.
Newtown will next head down south to take on Penybont, while Flint will host Caernarfon Town.
Player of the Match: Fumpa Mwandwe
Mwandwe was a thorn in the side of Flint throughout today’s match. His runs down the wing caused numerous problems and was not afraid to take on his man at any stage. A very well-rounded performance from him today.
Newtown
Dave Jones (GK), Ryan Sears, Shane Sutton, Fumpa Mwandwe (Rhys Hesden, 87’), Nick Rushton, Aaron Williams, Henry Cowans (Brett Taylor, 67’), Craig Williams ©, Zeli Ismail (James Davies, 73’), George Hughes, Jake Walker
Unused Subs: Max Williams (GK), James Davies, Dylan Downs, Rhys Hesden, Alfie Jones, Ben Guest
Goals: Aaron Williams (12’, 45’ p)
Yellow Cards: Shane Sutton (4’)
Flint Town United
Jonathan Rushton (GK), Jake Phillips, Sam Hart, Ben Maher, Ben Nash, Alex Jones ©, Mark Cadwallader, Callum Bratley, Dan Roberts, Ollie Nugent (Ben Hughes, 64’), Jack Higgins (Sam Duffy, 17’)
Unused Subs: Ryan Woods (GK), Dan Harrison, Liam Ellis, Jack Williams, Joe Davis
Goals: Mark Cadwallader (51’)
Yellow Cards: Ben Nash (45’)
Red Cards: Alex Jones (54’)
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