NIALL MCGUINNESS felt Flint Town United were the architects of their own downfall as Newtown snatched a 3-2 home win.

The Silkmen were in command at 2-1 up as captain Richie Foulkes struck 10 minutes into the second period, but the Robins rallied to score twice in the space of three minutes through Nick Rushton and Tyrone Ofori to pick up victory.

“It’s frustrating. We should have managed the game better at 2-1 up with half an hour left,” said Flint boss McGuinness.

“We needed to get in our shape, but we were still trying to win a game that was already won.

“We had chances to make it three or four, but then they’ve hit us with a sucker-punch by scoring twice in the space of a couple of minutes.”

Callum Bratley had given Flint the lead, but Neil Mitchell’s deflected effort levelled matters, before Foulkes restored the visitors’ advantage.

“At 2-1 I felt we were in control,” continued McGuinness. “Then out of nothing we were losing 3-2.

“It was a good header for 2-2, but we’ve got to do better for the third goal they scored. I think there was a blatant foul in the build up. but we’ve got to prevent the ball coming into the box.”

Flint had chance to be out of sight before Newtown’s quickfire brace, while McGuinness’ men were scratching their heads as a shout for a penalty was surprisingly waved away.

“It’s a blatant handball,” said McGuinness. “I was told it was ball to hand, but his hand is in such an unnatural position.”

Newtown’s match-winner Ofori, who spent last season with Cefn Druids, was delighted to help lead his team to victory.

“The important thing is to get the three points,” he said. “I thought it was toe-to-toe right until the end.”

On his winning goal, the striker added: “I thought if I could get in the box I’d get my chance, and I took it. I gave a breath of fresh air to the team.”

Flint are now waiting to see if next weekend’s trip to Haverfordwest County goes ahead.

Wayne Jones’ Bluebirds were forced to cancel their scheduled trip to Cefn Druids after a player tested positive for Covid-19.

A statement from the club, read: “On November 7, a first team player tested positive for Covid-19. As the squad trained within 48 hours prior to the positive test being returned, all players and coaching staff are now self-isolating at the request of Public Health Wales. As players and staff have had no contact since this date, the 14-day isolation period is due to conclude at midnight on Friday, November 20.

“Although we feel this request is not in line with FAW Return to Play protocols and general practice during this season so far, the safety of our players and coaching staff is paramount so feel we have no choice but to adhere to this advice, and as a result the match against Cefn Druids on Saturday, November 14 will be postponed.”