The New Saints defeat Flint Mountain 2-1 in pre-season friendly action

Match Report

After returning from their pre-season tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland, The New Saints were back in friendly action at Park Hall this afternoon against Flint Mountain of the JD Cymru North.

With the majority of the first-team squad heavily involved in the three previous friendlies, the line-up for today’s game against the Mountain was largely made up of players from the club’s Academy set-up, although Ben Woollam, Josh Lock and Nathan Doforo were among familiar names to feature.

It was the away side who took an early lead with less than three minutes on the clock, as Jack Parry fired home from a tight angle through the crowded penalty area.

In the 17th minute, Mike Hayes could’ve added a second goal for Flint Mountain, but after racing into the box from the left, the former Bala man failed to hit the target.

With 24 minutes gone, Oli Blayney almost scored an equaliser, but after poking the ball past the goalkeeper, Dom McHugh got back well to clear his effort off the line.

Six minutes later though, Craig Harrison’s side did get back on level terms, as a trialist turned the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box after a good assist from Blayney.

On the hour mark, the trialist almost scored a second, but after climbing high to connect with Jake Morris’ cross from the right, failed to divert his header goalwards.

In the 68th minute, Josh Lock fired over from the right of the penalty area, before McCue tested Jack Edwards down the other end with a powerful strike.

The woodwork was then struck in the 73rd minute courtesy of Tom Jones, as the JD Cymru Premier champions continued to push for the go-ahead goal.

With 10 minutes left to play, however, The Saints did eventually take the lead, as Jack Airlie poked the ball into an empty net at the back post following a left-sided corner.

That was the final chance of the game, meaning the young Saints side left Park Hall Stadium with a 2-1 victory against Flint Mountain.

Starting line-up: Jack Edwards; Harry Clayton, Ben Woollam (Lucas Alamanos 46), Jack Airlie, Nathan Doforo (Ciao Humphreys 66); Luke Johnston, Josh Lock, Oli Blayney; Jake Morris (Josh Davies-Sewell 66), Tom Jones, Trialist (Tom Blaze 66)

Lead image: F28.online