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Huws Gray-Fitlock Cymru Alliance
Halkyn Utd Vs. Gresford Athletic
Saturday 28th. August

Gresford traveled to Flint without five first team regulars and also lost Steve Shaughnessy and Kevin Todd who both failed late fitness tests. The partially fit Wyn Jones returned to the substitute's bench. Craig Thow, Simon Holloway and Ben Jones were called into first team action for the first time this season
Gresford started brightly and could have gone ahead in the fifth minute, Ben Jones making a good run down the left but his cross evaded everyone. Craig Trow in the Gresford goal then had to be alert to tip a Halkyn header over the bar. The game had got off to a good start with both teams creating half chances. On ten minutes Gresford went ahead, a forty yard Paul Blunt cross deceiving the Halkyn keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Halkyn almost equalized five minutes later. Gresford gave away possession at a throw in and Craig Trow had to be alert to deal with the Halkyn shot. Alan Williams then won the ball on the edge of the Halkyn penalty are fed Danny Purdie who's cross was meet by Simon Hollaway but his effort was deflected for a corner. A long ball down the middle then deceived the Gresford defence allowing Halkyn to equalize with a header over the advancing Trow. Gresford on the stroke of half time almost went ahead again, a great run and cross down the left by Phil Jones resulting in the home keeper palming the ball up into the air.

Half time: Halkyn Utd 1 Gresford Athletic 1

Gresford took the game to Halkyn at the start of the second half and a Phil Jones shot from thirty yards that hit the top of the bar. In a very open game both sides had their chances with Halkyn firing over the bar and Danny Purdie seeing an effort saved. Gresford's rearguard then started to look vulnerable as they tried to play the offside trap and Crag Trow had to make a good save to prevent Halkyn going ahead when they broke through. Halkyn did score in the sixty fifth minute when Gareth Thomas was left on his own in the penalty area and he made no mistake with his cross shot. Five minutes later they were three one up when after as a good tackle by Richard Carr the ball fell kindly for Halkyn. Gresford to their credit went looking for a goal to get back into the game and they were rewarded after seventy five minutes when Matt Williams headed home a Phil Jones corner. In a very even match Gresford were very unlucky to be behind at this stage. Halkyn sealed their win with time running out; Carl Andrews lost the ball on the edge of the Gresford area which resulted in A Halkyn forward firing past Trow from close range.

FINAL SCORE: Halkyn United 4 GRESFORD ATHLETIC 2

TEAM: 1. Craig Trow (7) 2. Hugh Jones (7) 3. Phil Jones (6) 4. Matt Williams (6) 5. Richard Carr (5) 6. Alan Williams (8) 7. Paul Blunt (6) 8. Simon Holloway (8) 9. Danny Purdie (6) 10. Ben Jones (6) 11. Shaun Williams (6) 12. Carl Andrews (5) (for Ben Jones) 14. Wyn Jones (5) (for Paul Blunt) 15. Steve Shaughnessy

MOM. ALAN WILLIAMS