Adran North: Flint rejoice after ending second Tier 2 season on emotional high

GENERO ADRAN NORTH – APRIL 5

Flint Town United 2 (Hobbs, Hastings)
Llanfair United 1 (Wylde)

Ruby McGilloway was a very proud captain as she reflected on her Flint team’s brilliant end to the season which culminated in a 2-1 home success over Llanfair.

The result meant the Silkwomen finished joint runners-up in only their second campaign at Tier 2 Adran North level.

Although Llanfair ended up second on goal difference, Flint achieved points parity with the Powys side, who beat the Flintshire team 5-1 at home in January.

In a season plagued by injury absences and a staggered fixture list, Becca Eagles’ side only lost to top two Connah’s Quay Nomads and Llanfair over the 12-match schedule.

They finished things off on an afternoon of mixed emotions in which key pair Rosie Hughes and Beth Roberts said farewell to the club for now by making it four wins from five outings.

Tania Wylde edged Llanfair in front on 13 minutes, but Shannon Hobbs levelled after 17 before Ruby Hastings fired what turned out to be the winner.

Llanfair captain Mary Bailey was red-carded after the final whistle.

A triumphant McGilloway said: “I’m so proud of this team and everything we’ve overcome this season, major injuries and changes in management but we’ve stuck together.

“Over the past two or three months, we’ve played some great football and earned the results we’ve worked so hard for.

“Our last game of the season meant a lot to us all for different reasons: securing third place, Rosie and Beth’s last game with us, and the chance to beat second place Llanfair to show how far we’ve come over the last few months, having lost away to them in January.

“We knew we had a challenge on our hands. We started well and created several early chances but couldn’t capitalise. Llanfair took the lead, but we responded quickly when Rosie Hughes made a great run down the right and cut the ball back to Shannon in the box, who finished first time to equalise.

“We continued to work hard and soon made it 2-1 with a similar goal, with Rosie making another great run and crossing the ball in for Hasto, who again finished first time.

“We had plenty of chances, including countless corners, but just couldn’t extend our lead.

“It was a great display of football and meant we went into our presentation night feeling extremely happy and proud of what we’ve achieved this season.

“Player of the match was Becky Bott, who was absolutely brilliant and made some very important saves.”