LLANRHAEADR-YM-MOCHNANT (Recreation Ground)

The cover of the programme
shows Pistyll Rhaeadr, the highest
waterfall in Wales
It was a chance to re-complete the Cymru Alliance today with a visit to league newcomers Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, who are making their debut in the second tier of Welsh football, after winning the Mid Wales League last season. 

After a nightmare journey, due to accidents on the A483 and gasworks, which meant a unsigned diversion down country lanes, the Recreation Ground in Llanrhaeadr, which is 5 miles from Oswestry, was eventually reached.

The ground is basically a railed off pitch with a small 52 seater stand and the only other cover is the overhang of the clubhouse. I'm glad it was a sunny afternoon as there wouldn't have been much protection from the elements if the weather from the previous few days had continued into the weekend.

The game was low on quality but high in entertainment, Flint losing out by the odd goal in 7 as Llanrhaeadr secured only their second win of the season.

Tomos Evans opened the scoring for the homesters after 4 minutes with a neat lob over Leon Bimpson in the Flint goal. The Silkmen were 2 down after 15 minutes when Danny Dobbins attempted to head a long ball back to Bimpson and misjudged the bounce, allowing Alun Evans to slot home.

Things went from bad to worse for Flint on the half hour mark when Bimpson had to leave the field injured and, with no goalkeeper on the bench, Richard Walker went between the sticks. Then after 44 minutes Evans netted his second to give the homesters a seemingly unassailable 3-0 interval lead.

The Flint players must have had the hair-dryer treatment at half time as they rallied in the second period. Simon Thelwall reduced the arrears after 51 minutes with a superb 25 yard free kick and he headed home a second on 75 minutes.

As Flint chased the equaliser though, they got stung on the counter as Jones bagged his second goal after 83 minutes. Game over, or so we all thought. Richard Hughes (86) set up a tense finish, when he controlled neatly in the area to poke home but, despite late pressure, Llanrhaeadr held on.

An excellent day was completed by a superb evening at the Chester Beer Festival...hic!

The cheery club officials on the gate, giving a warm welcome to
the Recreation Ground










Simon Thelwell's free kick hits the back of the net to
bring Flint back into the game


Jonathan Rush, son of former Welsh international striker Ian Rush.
They say football genes run in the family, well he must have inherited his skills from his mam!

Saturday 22nd October 2011
Cymru Alliance
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant 4-3 Flint Town United
Attendance: 104

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