DENBIGH TOWN 1

FLINT TOWN UNITED 2

A POOR second half display cost Denbigh Town the chance of achieving a weekend triumph.

Eddie Maurice-Jones' side relinquished a one-goal interval lead in this Huws Gray Alliance encounter and mid-table visitors Flint hit back in the second half to deservedly come out on top.

On the back of the recent poor weather, this was the first fixture at Central Park since January 6 and the home supporters were looking for three points in Denbigh's efforts to catch league leaders Caernarfon.

Goalkeeper Keighan Jones made his home debut in place of the injured Jon Hill-Dunt and Dan Sullivan replaced the unavailable Corey Smart in midfield.

Denbigh applied plenty of early pressure and they had more of the possession in the opening 10 minutes.

Sullivan had an early shot saved by Flint number one Nicky Bulmer, while Gareth Partridge's effort went wide of the target.

As Denbigh continued to press, Craig Pritchard's low shot hit the post and rebounded into the arms of Bulmer.

Flint came more into the game after this and when striker Andy Brown broke through the Denbigh defence, he shot just wide from long range.

Denbigh were managing to play some intricate patient football and thie bore fruit in the 21st minute.

Partridge, Pritchard and Rakim Newton all linked well and the ball was laid off to striker Josh Davies, who fire in from 12 yards to give Denbigh a deserved lead.

Flint responded and they forced two corners in quick succession as they looked to haul themselves level.

Visiting centre back Steffan Halewood was unlucky to see his header loop just over the bar from a Levi Mackin free kick.

As the game headed towards half time, both team had chances.

For Denbigh, Dan Sullivan had a shot blocked and Josh Davies was unlucky to see his header go just over.

Gareth Partridge could have given the hosts a two-goal lead, but his header went straight into the arms of Bulmer.

At the other end, Keighan Jones was adapting well to playing into a strong sun and he did well with several high balls that Flint pumped into the area.

Denbigh should have been further ahead at the interval, however the second half was a different story.

Flint had more impetus as the second half got underway and Jones saved well from point blank, but he was winded for a period.

A Denbigh defensive slip led to Flint levelling things up in the 63rd minute.

Ben Nash fluffed a clearance from just outside his penalty area and the ball was played through to Richie Foulkes, who blasted home.

Flint were now on top and they were winning vital balls to have the majority of the play.

Denbigh appeared a little leggy and lethargic, and in response to this midfielder Warren Duckett replaced Ben Nash, while Sullivan went into the Town’s back four.

Duckett had an immediate shot at Bulmer, which gave a bad bounce in front of the keeper and he was glad to palm the ball away for a corner.

It was Flint who were making the better chances, though, and Denbigh’s defence was being stretched.

Their winner came on 81 minutes.

A cross was fed through to substitute Sean Beck, who fired home from 10 yards.

Denbigh looked to respond in the closing stages and Joel Hewitt's cross found Duckett, whose diving header flew just over the bar.