It was a dissappointing evening for Gresford Athletic away against Flint Town United on matchday three of the 2023/24 JD Cymru North on Bank Holiday Monday.

The first half began with Flint Town United having much of the ball and creating chances, forcing two fantastic goal line clearances from Adam Hesp in the seventh minute.

Flint Town United's early dominance was paid off when Luis Lacey's free-kick was curled into Elliot Reeves to header it into the far post in the 20th minute.

Mike Jones made two of many good saves in the 31st and 32nd minutes to deny Flint Town United a second goal and keeping the score at 1-0 going into half time.

Flint Town United started the second half as they finished the first, doubling their lead in the 49th minute through Sol Forde.

Joe Chaplin looked to force a goal for Gresford Athletic in the 58th minute, putting in a good ball into the box to reach Haci Ozlu, whose header went over the crossbar.

Haci Ozlu then had another good effort in the 60th minute, but it was saved by former Gresford Athletic goalkeeper Rhys Williams.

Gresford Athletic continued to search for that goal to half the scoreline when Simon Smith's 71st minute cross reached the head of Paul Johnson, but the effort went wide.

Joe Chaplin then came close to scoring in the 72nd minute through a good header, but it was met by a good save from Flint Town United's Rhys Williams.

In the 75th minute, after a few chances for Gresford Athletic, Flint Town United grabbed their third goal of the game, with substitute Harvey Peagram putting it away.

Substitute Sam Spridgeon's angled effort was caught by Rhys Williams in the Flint Town United goal in the 78th minute and the score remained at 3-0 for the rest of the game, leaving Gresford Athletic still searching for their first league win of the 2023/24 season.

Captain Joshua Griffiths was named Gresford Athletic Man of the Match following a hard-working performance in midfield on his return to the team.

Flint Town United

Starting XI: R. Williams (GK), Phillips, J. Williams (Jones - 78'), Stephens (C), Forde, Harrison, Lacey, Owen (Peagram - 71'), Kavanagh (Hughes - 59'), Reeves, Akpa-Akpro (Roberts - 78')

Goalscorers: Reeves, Forde, Peagram

Subs not used: Beswick (GK), Mills

Yellow cards: Reeves, Hughes

Gresford Athletic

Starting XI: Jones (GK), J. Smith, Hesp (Killilea - 86'), Roberts (Ellis - 66'), S. Smith, Griffiths (C), Johnson, Edge, Gallagher-Keenan (Buxton - 46'), Ozlu (Deacon - 66'), Chaplin (Spridgeon - 76')

Subs not used: Busby (GK)

Yellow cards: J. Smith, Hill-Dunt (Assistant Manager)

Match Officials

Referee: Arthur Smallman

Assistant Referees: Tom Crofts, Jamie Monk

Referee Observer: Peter Kewley