NIALL MCGUINNESS’ fears became reality as Flint Town United suffered a 3-1 defeat at Aberystwyth Town.

Ahead of Friday’s fixture, Silkmen boss McGuinness said: “It’s the worst one journey wise, I think. At least when you’re heading to South Wales it’s all straight roads! This one’s a nightmare, especially on a Friday.

“I’m not a fan of Friday night football anyway. I like Saturday afternoon matches.”

And Flint were forced to make the long trip home after Conor Harwood’s early opener was cancelled out by Jonathan Evans a minute before the interval, and Mathew Jones’ penalty and Lee Jenkins netted in the second period to hand Aberystwyth the points.

“I’ve been there four times and the same thing has happened,” said McGuinness. “I’ve been there three times on a Friday night and once on a Bank Holiday Monday.

“I said before the game that it’s the worst drive in Welsh football and the journey takes its toll.”

Despite the trip, it could have been a different story for Flint had they gone in at the break a goal to the good.

But Evans got Aber back on level terms, and within five minutes of the restart the home side were leading.

“If we had gone in 1-0 at half-time it’s a completely different game,” said McGuinness. “Conceding when we did deflated us and then after a slow start to the second-half we gave a penalty away.

“The momentum was with them then after we had edged a competitive game in the first 30-35 minutes of the match. We went 1-0 up and had a good chance to make it 2-0. We also had a good chance to make it 3-2 through Mason (Blackwell-Jones) and that could have swung things back in our favour towards the end of the game.

“But we didn’t do enough after that and credit to Aberystwyth, who showed good energy.”

McGuinness also explained the absence of Nathan Craig, who was unexpectedly linked with a move to Connah’s Quay Nomads after missing Friday’s encounter due to personal reasons.

“He’s under contract and just not available,” said McGuinness, who has had no contact from Nomads regarding Craig.

“Nathan will be back with us against Cefn Druids on Wednesday.”

Flint’s trip to Aber was played with an open-top bus as a backdrop - scorer Evans’ father Mel coming up with the idea.

On his strike in-front of his watching father and a handful of fellow Aber supporters, the former Wales under-19 international told the club’s official website: “It’s good (to score), especially in-front of dad on the bus. I bet they are frustrated they can’t come in and watch properly.”

Regarding his father, who has shot to fame as a result of the idea, Evans said he’s been fielding calls from people wanting a seat on the top-deck.

He continued: “My phone has been non-stop all week, people asking if they could be on the famous bus.

“I’ve had to pass on my dad’s number as I’m sick of the phone calls, but it’s a brilliant little addition to home games.”