John Haseldin praised the 'big hearts' of his Holywell Town players as they clinched a 2-1 Boxing Day derby victory over high-flying Flint Town United.

The hosts came from behind after Damian Ketley's strike fired Flint into a 19th minute lead, with Steve Lewis levelling just before the break before Jon Jones' effort early in the second half settled the contest.

The battling victory ended the Wellmen's three-game losing streak and saw them leapfrog fellow strugglers Penrhyncoch near the foot of the Cymru Alliance standings.

A delighted Haseldin wrote on social media: "I'm proud of the boys today after a tough couple of weeks, sometimes you have to experience the bad, so that you can appreciate the good. Big hearts win big games."

Played in front of a 385-strong crowd, the game started brightly with both teams looking to get the early advantage;.

And it was former Holywell man Ketley who provided the opener as his header beat home keeper Mike Platt and found the back of the net via the post.

Town dug deep for a leveller, which arrived in the 43rd minute when Lewis fired home after great work by Aaron Pomeyie.

Flint went close to the restoring their lead soon after the restart, but Platt's smart save thwarted a goalbound Jack Higgins shot.

Shortly afterwards, Town were indebted to Platt once again after saving brilliantly with his feet after Mark Cadwallader had got his shot in after a good move for the visitors.

The hosts weathered the early storm and took the lead when Josh Maldon's corner found the head of Matty Hughes and his deft flick-on hit the crossbar and dropped in the box at the far post, with Jones prodding home the rebound from close range.

Flint pursued a leveller in vain as the home defence stood firm, with Jack Welsh going closest to salvaging a point but his late effort was saved well by Platt.

Silkmen boss Niall McGuinness also took to the social media post-match, writing: "It was a tough one to swallow. Complete lack of mentality as a group. Gutted for all the fans & people of the club apologies to you all. Look to put it right on Saturday."