RICHIE FOULKES went from zero to hero as his successful spot-kick earned Flint Town United a battling 3-2 victory at Llanrhaeadr.

Captain Foulkes uncharacteristically missed a crucial penalty in last week's 3-2 home loss to title rivals Prestatyn Town, but he was back doing what he does best as his 70th minute effort settled a lively encounter.

September player of the month Mark Cadwallader and Callum Bratley had twice given the visiting Silkmen the lead, but Llanrhaeadr refused to lie down and hit back through Matthew Evans and Joe Vaughan.

Foulkes shrugged off his penalty woe from a week ago to win it for Flint after Khyam Wyton had been sent-off for handling Brandon Burrows' goalbound effort.

"It was another pressure penalty but I was never in doubt that he'd score," said Flint boss Niall McGuinness, who knew that three points at Llanrhaeadr were a must on two accounts.

He continued: "We said that it was all about getting three points - and we didn't care how - for two reasons.

"The first one was to prove that we are mentally strong after last week's loss and the second one was to make sure we didn't fall any further behind the teams at the top.

"It's a very good three points because teams will struggle at Llanrhaeadr, especially over the winter months."

Flint were unable to close the 10-point gap to Prestatyn as goals from James Stead and Jack Higgins fired Neil Gibson's men to a 2-0 home win over Llangefni.

Buckley Town boss Dan Moore was left wondering how his side failed to come away with at least a point after losing 2-1 at Penrhyncoch.

Lewis Hone headed Buckley in-front, but Steff Evans scored a quickfire brace to win it for the home side, who Moore were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Connor Littler tangled with goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins.

"It was a disappointing result but our performance deserved more," said Moore. "We’ve had chances to score more goals, especially in the second-half, and it is a bit concerning how we seem to be struggling in front of goal at the minute.

"Having said that, we can’t fault the players for their effort and work rate, and at times we played some good football.

"We’ve had the most obvious penalty you’ll see all season turned down when their goalkeeper has wiped out Connor Littler, who had to come off with concussion, I’m not sure why it wasn’t given.

"We looked in control of the game but unfortunately for us we have switched off following a bit of a touchline incident and that has cost us.

"We have full confidence in the players we have at the club and we know we’re capable of pushing up the table, we need results and based on our performances, we are sure they will come."