North Wales Women’s League East: Leaders Flint hit 11 goals against fellow high-flyers

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE EAST – FEBRUARY 4

Flint Town United 11 (Hastings 12, Crockett 23, Haynes 28, 50 & 81, R Hughes 35 & 72, McGilloway 41, Stopford 54, K Williams 88 & 90+3)
Denbigh Town 2 (L Morris 85, Claybrook 90)

Here is an album of photos by Geoff Quinn from Sunday’s Flint v Denbigh game – just click on a photo and keep clicking on the arrows to see the next one

Jennifer Haynes netted her first hat-trick for Flint on a memorable day which saw the Silkwomen move eight points clear at the East league summit with an eighth straight win.

It was expected to be a close game at the Essity Stadium, with second-place Denbigh Town the visitors, but the hosts were simply unstoppable on the afternoon.

At the forefront was treble-goal hero Haynes, who has proved to be a class signing for the club since joining from Connah’s Quay Nomads.

No-one was more proud than manager Elliott Hale, who said after the match: “There were a few nerves going into the game today – 1st v 2nd in the league and Denbigh determined to close the gap.

“We had a really positive warm up which stood us in good stead for the first whistle, getting on the front foot early doors, taking control, a couple little breakaways and I could see something coming off for us to take the lead.

“We always look to go and get the first goals early on because we know it gives us that little advantage of getting into the game and to start kicking on. Goalkeeper Becky (Bott) was outstanding today, really giving us that opportunity to create something quicker and sharper in possession. Her distribution and switching play is something we’ve been working on the last couple of weeks and definitely paid off today.

“Ruby Hastings gave us the lead at a good stage in the first half. That really settled us and got us doing what we do best.

“The team spirit and togetherness in training and in the dressing room is something that is hard to find and I really believe that has played a massive part in the season so far. Four more massive finals to go to hopefully make it 5. I think the fitness levels and quality showed today.”

Flint started off very strongly and took an early lead through Ruby Hastings, who once again had a very good game using her pace on the wings,

By half time, Flint were 5-0 up after a very confident performance, defence not letting anything through, Zoe Stopford and Tegan Crockett linking up well and forming a nice attacking partnership, as well as Rosie Hughes and Roby McGilloway working together efficiently in midfield.

The second half was very similar to the first, a polished showing from the hosts all round, passing the ball around with ease. Flint conceded two goals from set pieces late on, but it was too late for Denbigh to change anything.

Two-goal star Rosie Hughes said: “Everyone gave 100% today and there were stand out performances all round, especially Jen scoring a hat-trick with her confidence building every week.”

Jennifer Haynes (3), Rosie Hughes (2), Kaelyn Williams (2), Ruby Hastings, Tegan Crockett, Ruby McGilloway and Zoe Stopford shared the home goals, Lowri Claybrook and Lucy Morris with late consolations for Denbigh, who will have many better days than this.