Last Minute Heartbreak on Deeside: Flint Town United 1 Aberystwyth Town 0 Match Report

JD Cymru Premier
Saturday 28th August
Flint Town United 1 Aberystwyth Town 0
On a beautiful August Bank Holiday Saturday Aber Town suffered last minute heartbreak on Deeside yesterday as Alex Jones’ 93rd minute winner denied them any reward for a resolute and solid defensive performance, and snatched all three points for Top of the Table Flint Town United.
New signing Raul Correia made his bow for the Black and Greens, bedecked in yellow for the day, however in front of an expectant large crowd it was the hosts who began stronger. Mike Wilde headed Sam Hart’s free kick wide early on, and as the half wore on a series of free kicks and long throws were pummelled at Aber’s penalty area, with Town’s back four of Jack Rimmer, Rhys Davies, Lee Jenkins and Matty Jones holding firm. The incessant pressure made it hard for Aber to create too much, although Correia and Jon Owen did show flashes up front which augured well. Callum Brately showed some nice trickery before sending a btame shot at Gregor Zabret, then at the other end Jamie Veale sent a low rasping volley wide for Aber’s first salvo. Ben Nash had a header blocked for Flint and then the unfortunate Lee Jenkins went down with a nasty shoulder injury, and he was replaced by the swashbuckling Owen Orford, with Rimmer filling in superbly at centre half. Jack Kenny was the next to head off target for the hosts, before Aber enjoyed a series of corners and long throws which ultimately came to nothing. Ben Maher was unlucky with a brilliant free kick which flashed past Zabret’s far post, and then tested Zabret again with a low volley.  Kenny headed wide again then at the other end Jon Owen saw a shot flashed away for a corner, and then curled an effort just past the post from the resulting set piece. More home free kicks were repelled, with Nash again heading wide, and a strong rearguard action by the hosts saw them reach the break level at 0-0.
A more evenly matched second half ensued with Wilde misfiring early on for the hosts. Orford’s surging runs gave Aber an outlet to attack, although clear cut chances were hard to come by.  Harry Franklin saw a header saved by Ryan Woods from captain Jack Thorn’s cross, and the game calmed down for a period. Sub Connor Harwood headed wide for Flint, but in general Rimmer and Davies were superb at the back, Davies in particular heading every ball clear and dominating his area. Orford then ran straight through from full back for Aber, but his effort was easy for Woods to collect, before Correia was the next Aber plkayer to go off injured, replaced by Sam Phillips. Zabret made a good save to prevcent Hart’s looping free kick from sneaking in, then Matty Jones had a low volley saved. Franklin then sent in a super left wing cross which Woods just got to in front of Phillips, and the visitors were dreaming of an unlikely win. More superb defending from Aber kept the sheet clean, while a free kick in a very dangerous area for Aber saw Veale require Woods to make another save. Aber repelled a few more attacks, then in the third of four added minutes, Hart sent one a final corner and somehow Alex Jones bundled the ball home, despite strong home protests of a double handball. The elated home celebrations indicated what an excellent defensive performance Aber’s young back five, and indeed the whole team, had put on, and although Aber were unlucky yesterday, if they continue to play with this passion and commitment home supporters can look forward to a positive season.
Black and Green supporters will not have to wait long to see Town in action, as they return to Park Avenue this Tuesday to face Bala Town, with an 8pm kick off. What a perfect way to see off a hectic summer in Ceredigion – see you there!