Flint Town United 1 Prestatyn Town 0
North Wales Coast Challenge Cup Final
(Played at Colwyn Bay)
Karl, a Flint fan, reminded me on Saturday that this game was taking place so I thought; "That sounds like a night out!" and here I was, Llanelian Road on a drizzly May Wednesday. Just after I arrived I chatted to Harry and went off to meet Karl. The first half was forgettable. The only two things of note were seeing Steve Bowes in the flesh, he does exist!! Bowes had signed for Bangor but for some reason decided not to turn up to play, he had also done this to Caernarfon. I began to feel that he was like one of those unexplained mysteries beloved of conspiracy theorists. Certainly faint rumours of a bad attitude followed him, akin to sightings of a headless horseman. He didn't add to his season's 456 goal tally tonight though.
The second thing that became apparent was the ferocity of challenges and the deftness of touch needed at Cymru Alliance level. The second point was a revelation; it hadn't been the impression I'd gleaned from watching Llandudno this year. The first half was even, neither side deserved to be winning, although Flint's keeper made one spectacular save.
The second half proceeded in the same direction. The match could have meandered towards extra time if Flint hadn't scored. And what a goal it was; A Flint player rounded the goalie but couldn't shoot, another player shot and a Prestatyn player let the ball pass under his foot before it hit the back of the net. Despite the fact it wasn't a fitting way to win a cup that's how Flint won their first cup for 17 years.
Just before the presentation ceremony I chanced upon a Bangor player, it was Walshy. We both seemed excited about Nev Powell becioming manager and after he shook my hand! What a Gentleman! I took my position to see Harry hand over the Cup. The cup was an exact replica of the FA Cup, Harry told me that they'd been made at the same time. Just after Flint had the cup in their possession the floodlights went off and the chance was lost for one of those traditional photos. This was obviously the cue to leave and Karl was nice enough to give me a lift to the bus stop.
The last few burning embers of the season
