The dust has barely settled on 2017, but Flint Mountain quickly found themselves back in action in the opening round of the NEWFA Challenge Cup. The first opponents of the year would be Caerwys, who fell to a 4-0 defeat against the Mountain earlier in the season. After the impressive performance in the last game against Bradley, manager Rob Thelwell kept the faith and continued with the same starting line up, but could welcome Shane Owens, Ryan Worrall and Karl Griffiths to the substitutes bench.

The Christmas and New Year celebrations must have still been in the Flint Mountain systems, as Caerwys took the lead just a few minutes into the game. From a throw in, the ball into the penalty area was somehow missed by two Mountain defenders, before the Caerwys striker managed to stick a toe on the ball and direct it past Ryan Roberts. The sluggish start continued throughout the half as Flint Mountain looked to get into their rhythm. The best chance to equalise during the half fell to captain Damon Griffiths, who headed an effort from a corner onto the crossbar.

In the second half, Mountain looked to reverse their fortunes and get back into the game. Only a few minutes into the half, Rob Thelwell rolled the dice and introduced two substitutes to put pressure on Caerwys. In place of Rob Rush and Alex Millington, Shane Owens and Karl Griffiths entered the fold. The changes had an immediate effect, as Caerwys struggled with the dead ball accuracy from Owens. From a free kick, Andy Probert headed the ball back towards goal, but Kieran Farr's header only went over the bar.

Caerwys rarely threatened throughout the half, but a snap shot from distance crashed off the bar, in a reminder of how much an equaliser was needed. With the half running down, Caerwys shot themselves in the foot, as a player was shown a straight red card for dissent to the referee. Mountain also made their final substitution, as Kieran Farr made way for Ryan Worrall. Worrall had a great opportunity to level the score, as he hit a half volley towards goal, only to be denied by a smart save by the goalkeeper.#

With time almost up, Caerwys cracked under the relentless pressure on their goal, by giving away a penalty. Jimmy McGlone steadied himself, before drilling the ball into the bottom corner. The game then fizzled out and extra time would be required. The pressure continued in extra time, when Christian Davis thought he had won the game for the away team. From a corner, Davis' header was somehow pushed away from goal by the Caerwys goalkeeper. The game really heated up in the second half of extra time, as both teams pushed for a winner. Caerwys thought they had won the game themselves, as their striker managed to get past Roberts as he advanced out of his goal, only for the shot to hit the bottom of the post and then be cleared.

The winning goal finally come with only five minutes of the game remaining. After the ball was played to Lee Messham, he delivered a teasing ball into the penalty area, which was missed by the Caerwys defenders. At the back post, Ryan Worrall arrived and he directed the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Next up for the Flint Mountain is the visit of Mold Town United to Wat's Dyke Way, as they look to avenge the opening day defeat back in August. We hope you can join us.

#WeAreTheMountain