This week brought a short break from league action, as the Goals Premier Cup took centre stage with it's second round fixtures. Last month's draw pitted Flint Mountain against last season's winners, Airbus Academy, in a repeat of the semi-final clash from last year. On that occasion, Airbus walked away from a thumping 6-1 win over The Mountain, before going on to lift the trophy. This season, the sides met in September in a league fixture at the Pavilion, with Flint Mountain picking up a 3-2 victory. Manager Rob Marshall welcomed Mark Williams and Dylan Roberts back into the starting line up for this game, with Jimmy McGlone dropping to the bench after picking up an injury last week.

The young home side had a great chance to open the scoring just a couple of minutes into the game, but an unmarked header towards goal went wide of the post. Flint Mountain then looked to get into the game and were unlucky not to take the lead after a quarter of an hour. Sean Williams fired a curling free kick, which hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper seemingly beaten. Jake Williams then followed up with a header, which was well saved by the Airbus goalkeeper, as he tipped the ball back onto the crossbar and out for a corner.

Despite their possession, Airbus were not creating chances, whereas Flint Mountain continued with their dangerous attacks. From a similar position to earlier in the game, Sean Williams somehow hit the crossbar again from a free kick. A goal almost seemed inevitable as the half drew on, with Jack Aitken's penalty appeals being waved away, despite being hauled to the ground by his marker. Just before the half, Jon Edmonds managed to get through on goal, but his low shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

At half time, Mountain replaced David Walkiewicz, who had picked up an injury, with Lee Messham as they pressed for a goal. Messham was quickly involved as he saw a shot flash wide of the far post. Flint Mountain were wondering what they needed to do to score, with two shots being cleared off the line, before they eventually opened the scoring on 72 minutes. Sean Williams hit a cross field ball to Jon Edmonds, who controlled and got past the defence and through on goal. Edmonds' first shot was well saved, but he was able to recover the ball, turn and fire a second shot high towards the corner, which the goalkeeper could not keep out.

Three minutes after the lead, Flint Mountain had a golden opportunity to add a second, as Jon Edmonds beat the goalkeeper to a loose ball outside the penalty area. His shot was blocked by a defender, before Airbus then retrieved the ball. Driving forward on the counter-attack, the ball was played through to the striker, who burst into the box. He was then able to find a teammate advancing on goal, whose first time effort beat Kirk Russell to level the score, through to extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Flint Mountain retook the lead thanks to substitute Lee Messham. Sean Williams was again provider as he clipped a lovely ball into the penalty area from a free kick. The ball seemed to have passed everyone by, but Messham arrived late at the back post to nod the ball into the net. In the second half of extra time, Airbus pressed forward for an equalier and levelled the score, thanks to a superb strike, which flew into the top corner, leaving Kirk Russell with no chance.

The game continued to ebb and flow until Flint Mountain were awarded a penalty with nine minutes left. Jon Edmonds had again used his pace to beat the defence, before he was brought down by the Airbus goalkeeper, with the referee pointing to the spot. The task was given to Sean Williams, who had converted two penalties after missing against Bellevue earlier in the season. Williams stepped up and blasted the ball into the net to regain the lead late on. The Mountain were then able to hold on and ensure a semi-final spot for themselves, sending the holders packing at the same time.

Next week, Flint Mountain are back in league action, with a return fixture against third placed Caerwys at the school. The Mountain were victorious in Caerwys in the first round of the Mike Beech Memorial Trophy just a few weeks ago in Caerwys, whilst also winning at the Pavilion in the reverse fixture. The Mountain will be looking to extend their lead of the North East Wales League with a hat trick of wins.