Winning start for Flint! Cymru Premier round-up Saturday, September 12

Cymru Premier opening day results 2020-21

Aberystwyth Town 2 Cardiff Met University 3
Barry Town United 0 The New Saints 3
Caernarfon Town 1 Penybont 1
Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 Bala Town 1
Flint Town United 1 Newtown 0
Haverfordwest County P Cefn Druids P

Reports

Match of the Day
Flint Town United 1 Newtown 0

A typical Nathan Craig wonder goal from a free kick ensured Flint’s first match in the top flight for 22 years ended in victory.

And Niall McGuinness’ side were good value for the three points at the Essity Stadium.

With the wind at their backs in the first half, the Silkmen should have been more than one-up at half time.

Conor Harwood had an early goalbound shot blocked before Robins keeper Dave Jones made the first of many good stops.

Mark Cadwallader flicked a header beyond the advancing keeper, but the ball agonisingly hit the woodwork.

Jones denied Harwood before the deadlock was broken on 33 minutes, ex-Caernarfon captain Craig firing in a trademark long range free kick.

Flint created an early chance in the second half, when Callum Bratley fed the ball from the byline into the path of Alex Titchiner, but his shot cleared the bar.

Then, on 50 minutes, in an off the ball incident, home debutant Rob Hughes received a straight red after raising his hands in what appeared a retaliation to some close attention he was receiving from a Newtown defender.

Although the Robins now had the extra man, they did not make the most of their possession.

The introduction of Brandon Burrows into the fray was an astute move by Flint manager McGuinness as he immediately made an impact in the middle of the park.

First, he broke down the centre, and found himself in a one on one situation with Jones, but the Newtown keeper again excelled himself and once more blocked the effort.

Then on 68 minutes, a delightful lob picked out Harwood, who found himself in on goal, only for Jones to race out and smother.

Newtown forced a couple of late corners, but Flint withstood the pressure and marked their return to the national league with a well-merited victory.

Best of the Rest

Sameron Dool’s stunning equaliser in the fifth minute of added time salvaged champions Connah’s Quay Nomads a 1-1 draw at home to Bala Town.

New signing Nathan Peate had given the Lakesiders a half-time lead with a 23rd minute back-header from the edge of the box which flew in over keeper Lewis Brass following a free kick from the away half.

Keepers were on top thereafter and it appeared Colin Caton’s side would take the points until Dool’s blockbuster made it all-square.

Mike Hayes drilled home a fine shot from just outside the box to earn Caernarfon Town a 1-1 draw versus Penybont at The Oval.

Mael Davies had put the visitors in front on 75 minutes, but summer signing Hayes levelled after 83.

Haverfordwest County’s home game was postponed due to an alleged breach of Covid-19 protocol by visitors Cefn Druids.

Other scores

Aberystwyth Town 2 (Jonathan Evans 13, Rhys Davies 72) Cardiff Met University 3 (Eliot Evans 67, Oliver Hulbert 82 & 86)

Barry Town United 0 The New Saints 3 (Adrian Cieslewicz 47 & 75, Leo Smith 68)