Magic Hayes Downs Llay

Football is back! After a productive close season, Flint Mountain led the way with a Friday night clash to open the new Ardal North West League season. the visitors were Llay Welfare, who saw a change of management in the summer. Jonny Hill, deputising for absent Mountain manager Aden Shannon, fielded five debutants in the lineup, with Mike Hayes, Joe Holt, Tom Ruffer, George Woodburn and Rowan Whelan all starting, while Sam Pickering and Sam Henry were among the substitutes.

The opening exchanges were even, with both teams looking to get an advantage and get on top. In the 17th minute, Mountain took the lead and club's new dangerman, Mike Hayes, was the man to get it. George Woodburn hit a ball over the Llay defence towards Hayes, who superbly controlled the ball and took it away from his marker's path, before hitting a venomous, low half-volley that flew into the bottom corner, leaving the Llay goalkeeper with no chance.

Llay continued to play and nine minutes later, were level. after Chris Li was booked for a late challenge in the Mountain half, a lofted free kick was not dealt with by the Mountain defence, with the ball falling to Llay striker Jon Collo. Collo had time to bring the ball down before firing past John Danby in the Mountain goal. The level score did not last long and Mountain retook the lead five minutes later. Hayes was again the scorer, beating the offside trap and latching on to a looped ball over the defence from Tom Ruffer, before drilling a low shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.

In the second half, Llay had much more of the ball as they pushed for an equaliser. Mountain made changes, with both Sam Henry and Sam Pickering offering fresh legs, with Llay threatening with several chances, but not leaving John Danby with a save to make. Mountain held on to secure an opening three points against a good Llay side who will do well this season.

Next up, Mountain make the short trip down the coast to face Rhyl 1879, in a battle between last season's third and fourth placed clubs, on Wednesday evening.

#VivaLaMountain