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JD Cymru Premier
Friday 6th January Flint Town United 1 Aberystwyth Town 1 Aberystwyth Town started 2023 in positive style by gaining an away point at Flint, and their strong showing might have earned all three points had Johnny Evans’ late winner not been controversially chalked off for offside. Evans had given the visitors the lead with a stunning strike in the 38th minute only for Harry Owen to equalise with a 72nd minute header. Debutant Billy Kirkham saw red in 91st minute but it did not affect the outcome. Anthony Williams’ rejuvenated squad started the game with three debutants – Matt Turner in goal and Billy Kirkham at left back, and Jake Canavan on the bench, and both Turner and Kirkham acquitted themselves really well in their first outings. A combative start saw Steff Davies have a shot blocked and a Sam Litchfield header fly over the bar, while Flint threatened from set pieces with the visiting defence looking composed. Jack Rimmer sent in a free kick from the right which Evans volleyed just over, and Aber’s vocal away support were encouraged by a good start. Jean-Louis Akpa-Akro had a low shot comfortably saved by Turner and Okera Simmons grazed the top of the crossbar from out on the left, before seeing two more low strikes saved by Turner soon afterwards. Kirkham had been showing some excellent touches all night and with seven minutes to go before the break he started off a move, and rejoined it to put in a lovely deep cross which Evans lamped home from distance for a superb opener! Town were denied a penalty shout on Davies and then Jack Thorn had a long distance shot touched over by Harry Allen in Flint’s goal, and hard working Aber were good value for their lead. With the rain starting to come down after the break the entertainment continued. Harry Arnison sent in a super ball which evaded everyone in the Flint box, and Evans had a header saved, with Flint threatening from long throws, free kicks and corners. Evans almost caught out Allen with not one but two audacious lobs from distance, and Allen then fumbled a Rimmer free kick but the ball fell to safety. The hosts however were winning more and more set pieces and they equalised from Anthony Stephens’ corner when Owen nodded home at the far post to burst Aber’s bubble. Rimmer had a chance to score down the right but he missed the target, and Turner had to stay alert to tip one attempt over the bar, then collect a second effort which had been cleared off the line. A controversial offside flag denied Evans what would surely have been a winner, but then Kirkman saw red for a second yellow card in injury time, and Turner pulled out a brilliant stop to turn Simmons’ attempt at glory round the post, and Aber held on for a draw which on the balance of play was the least they deserved. After a disappointing run of results Anthony Williams’ side performed much better last night and will now look forward with confidence to two more home matches to end the first phase of the 2022/23 Cymru Premier season. Penybont are the next visitors to Park Avenue, and they visit this coming Tuesday 10th January for an 8pm kick off. Don’t miss out! Comments are closed.
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Gem Nesaf
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