Last week's costly defeat to Caersws was fresh in the minds of everyone at Flint Mountain and we looked for an immediate bounce back as we once again welcomed Gresford Athletic to the Essity Stadium. Only three weeks ago, Mountain were bested 3-0 by the Colliers in the Nathaniel MG Cup, so we looked to put both defeats right. The returning Aden Shannon was forced into four changes due to absence and suspensions, so Sam Molyneux, Rowan Whelan and Dom McHugh all made their first starts of the season, while Kieran Ball also made his first start for the club.

The first half was an even affair as both team grappled for the lead. Reece Thompson did well to save in the Mountain goal, while at the other end, Sam Molyneux's effort hit the bottom of the post before Gresford were able to clear off the line. The second continued as the first left off as both teams took aim on goal. Mountain saw a couple of shots fly over the bar from threatening positions and also forced Gresford into defending well. The breakthrough come twenty minutes from time. A corner into the Gresford box was dealt with, and Mountain's shots were blocked. The ball was cleared to the edge of the box, where Ben Lawrence hit a curling effort over the mass of players and into the top corner for his first Mountain goal.

The lead should've been doubled but Mike Hayes' strike across goal bounced off the post and back into play. as time run out, Gresford had one last chance to score but a ball across the face of goal was harmlessly watched out and Mountain secured the points.

Next up, Mountain are on the road for the first time this season, as we make the short trip to The Globe to take on Buckley Town. Buckley saw off the league champions last week and lie in third place after three games, so Mountain will look to inflict a first league defeat on the Bucks.

#VivaLaMountain