Defeat away to Flint

Gavin Lee Redfern-Jones reports on a high-scoring game

Bangor 1876 were welcomed to the Essity Stadium on a cold Saturday afternoon for a league encounter against third-placed Flint Town United. The Silkmen were looking to get back to winning ways after suffering only their second league defeat at the hands of fellow title-chasers Holywell Town, whereas Bangor seeked to further extend their current streak of 3 wins on the bounce.

Flint nearly took the lead after 5 minutes following a counter-attack from a Bangor corner. After being held up at the left by-line, forward Elliott Reeves rolled the ball towards the far-post into the path of the oncoming Ben Hughes, but his effort was charged down by Bangor goalkeeper Huw Shaw.

Bangor came close to opening the scoring in the 13th minute when Corrig McGonigles' corner from the left was met in the air by centre-back Iolo Hughes, but his header was directed just above the crossbar.

Flint missed the opportunity to capitalise from another counter 5 minutes later when Jake Phillips broke through the middle and passed out to his right in the direction of Reeves just outside of the box. His cut-back was met by forward Josh Jones, who could only guide his side-footed effort wide of the right post.

Flint took the lead in the 20th minute when Jones converted a penalty to Shaws' left, after the stopper was adjudged to have brought down Reeves in the box.

Jones almost doubled the lead 12 minutes later. A wonderful slide-rule pass from full-back Phillips found the Flint forward on the edge of the D, but he could only roll his effort just outside of the left post.

Flint extended their advantage a minute later when Jones' pass across the face of goal from the right byline found Reeves on the run and the Flint forward passed into an empty net.

Bangor were awarded a penalty in the second minute of added time when a Joe Culshaw free-kick from deep was handled in the box. McGonigle duly stepped up to convert the kick and reduce the deficit just before half-time.

FLINT TOWN UNITED 2 - 1 BANGOR 1876

Two minutes after the restart, Flint were awarded a free-kick just outside of the box after a foul on Ben Hughes. Jake Phillips' venomous shot was on target and had to be punched clear for a corner by stopper Huw Shaw.

Bangor found themselves in on goal in the 54th minute when a deep, floated cross by Iolo Hughes fell to the path of Corrig McGonigle, but his cross-body shot would roll safely to the hands of Flint goalkeeper Rhys Williams.

Flint restored their two-goal lead two minutes later when Elliott Reeves picked out his forward partner Josh Jones near the penalty spot and the Flint number 11 had time to himself before taking a shot that found the back of the net.

With 20 minutes of regular time remaining, a moment of interplay between Mason Blackwell-Jones and Tom Mahoney on the left wing saw the former make a cut-back pass at the left byline into the direction of substitute Craig Whelan. His side-footed first-time shot was calmly collected by Flint goalie Rhys Williams.

Five minutes later, Bangor lost posession deep within their own half and Flint substitute Jean-Louis Akpa Apro rose well to meet Ben Hughes' cross from the right channel in order to head in a fourth goal for the Silkmen.

Bangor almost pulled a goal back at the 77th minute when Blackwell-Jones won posession from just within the Bangor half of the pitch and broke through centre of the pitch with a driving 40-yard dribble. His lay-off found winger Harry Galeotti to his right with space to break into the Flint penalty box, but his angled effort was saved by Williams.

Bangor were awarded a second penalty 5 minutes from time after substitute Liam Morris penetrated the box from the left wing. Evading a handful of challenges, the winger found McGonigle at the far post who was unable to get a shot off after he was hauled down by a Flint defender. Referee Aled Williams pointed towards the spot and once again, McGonigle stepped up to convert the spot-kick for his second of the afternoon.

The Referee blew the full-time whistle and Flint Town United took all three points after a hard-fought win. The result means Bangor 1876 remain in 5th place in the JD Cymru North standings, whereas victory for the Silkmen lifts them into 2nd place.

FULL TIME: FLINT TOWN UNITED 4 - 2 BANGOR 1876

We return to action on Saturday 2 March when we welcome Ruthin to Nantporth for a league match that begins at 2pm. Please note that the following weekend's match away to Prestatyn will now take place at 7.45pm on Friday 8 March.