Flashback – 5 years ago: Paul McManus pair from spot seals Flint win at Holyhead

Holyhead Hotspur 0
Flint Town United 2 (McManus 65 pen, 86 pen)
Cymru Alliance League – May 2, 2016

Two second-half penalties from Paul McManus clinched victory for Flint at the New Stadium five years ago this week.

Several squad and Academy players were given first team starts and they responded by helping the Silkmen to a fine away win.

Sixteen-year-old Elliot Quinlan started his first full match in goal, while Alex Goundrey, Phil Djan and Liam Randles were all handed starts by Aden Shannon in an unfamiliar Flint line up.

But his faith in the youngsters was rewarded as they all played their part, together with the more experienced heads, in not only helping keep a clean sheet but also going all to claim all three points.

The first half was largely devoid of any serious goalmouth action, except when just after the half-hour mark, a good through ball by Randles sent Djan scampering through on goal, but he screwed wide from just a few yards out.

Half-time: 0-0

A rare slip by Quinlan, on an otherwise solid full debut, gifted the ball to Dewi Thomas eight yards out on 53 minutes, but for the second match in succession, Craig Jones was on hand to prevent a goal with an excellent block.

Flint threatened just before the hour when Kyle Smyth crossed into the 18 yard box and found Jack Abraham, who from 12 yards out could only muster a weak effort that allowed Carl Jones a comfortable save.

Joe Palmer, introduced as a second half substitute, made his presence felt on 65 minutes, when he earned his side a penalty, having been pushed in the box. McManus dispatched the spot kick, putting the Silkmen one-up.

The same two players were at it again on 86 minutes, as Palmer was once more fouled in the area, and McManus found the target from 12 yards.

Match report: Will Price

Holyhead Hotspur: Carl Jones Kieran Hilditch, Kenleigh Owen, Phil Williams, Alex Jones, Rhys Roberts (c), Jack Griffiths, Dean Garmey, Damian Ketley, Jamie Roberts, Dewi Thomas. Subs – Mike Kelly, Corey Jones, Ryan Jones, Robert Jones, M Williams.

Flint Town United: Elliot Quinlan, Johnny Hill, Joe Culshaw, Craig Jones (c), John Davies, Alex Goundrey (Abe Dobson 56), Jack Abraham, Liam Randles (Peter Martin 66), Phil Djan (Joe Palmer 56), Paul McManus, Kyle Smyth.