Denbigh Town Ladies’ return to league action ended with a loss as Flint scored six in a nine-goal thriller in front of 115 at Central Park.

Ellen Lawson handed debuts to Ceri Purvis, Natalie Harrison, Mali Thomas and Jess Frith and couldn’t have started any better.

Within two minutes a Flint back pass was missed by the goalkeeper who scrambled to claw the ball off the line, having picked up the ball Denbigh were awarded an indirect free-kick which resulted in being rifled home by Harrison.

Within seven minutes the lead was doubled, Purvis this time as she popped up at the back post to finish following a cross from the wing.

After such a good start Denbigh were in control but Flint did grow into the game, and they had one back when Rosie Hughes was fouled by goalkeeper Netty Young in the box after 20 minutes. Zoe Stopford stepped up to take it and despite being initially saved, the referee order it to be re-taken with Young off her line. Hughes didn’t make the same mistake again.

Hughes was in on the action for Flint on the half-hour mark as she drew the visitors level from close range. A heart-stopping moment on 34 minutes for Denbigh when Lucy Morris was bizarrely sent off for a second yellow card, only for it to be revoked when the referee realised the first yellow had been awarded to one of her triplet sisters.

Half-Time: Denbigh Town Ladies 2-2 Flint Town United Ladies

Whilst the first half began like a dream for Denbigh, the second could only be described as a nightmare. Within 60 seconds Flint took the lead for the first time when Hughes latched on to a through ball down the middle and finished well.

Two minutes later Flint were down to ten as Emily Edwards was sent off for kicking out at Harrison.

Despite the advantage, Denbigh fell further behind as Flint were awarded another penalty following a foul by Shannon Jones, the decision for many could have been deemed soft. Despite this Tegan Crockett made no mistake from the spot.

Eluned Evans was introduced on 63 minutes and as the game ticked over into the final 20 minutes she gave Town hope with a strong shot into the back of the net at the back stick.

As Denbigh chased the game Flint capitalised and in stoppage time scored twice via Kaelyn Williams and Jennifer Hastings.

The Ladies are next in action next Sunday away to Llangefni in the FAW Women’s Cup.

Denbigh: Young, Duff, Thomas, Owen, E Jones, Purvis, S Jones, Harrison, L Morris, Frith, E Morris

Subs: Bancroft, Rizzi, Evans, C Morris, Cooper

Attendance: 115

Referee: Luke Wynne