16/08/2026
🔴🟢A Little Different This Week…
As we submit a report this week, we thought we’d do things a little differently. There are far too many clips from yesterday’s game, so instead, we’ve gone old-fashioned and tried to give an honest account of what was a really enjoyable match. 😊 the best Bit will be posted Soon.
Yesterday’s meeting between Gronant and Halkyn United was the first of its kind, with two good sets of players going at it in what was, thankfully, all about the football. No drama, no silly stuff just a competitive game with plenty of chances for both sides.
It was Halkyn who thought they had struck first, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Gronant went straight up the other end and came close moments later.
Halkyn eventually did break the deadlock when their striker got in behind the Gronant defence and beat keeper Pauly Jilge.
Gronant responded immediately from the kick-off. Johnny Mee did all the hard work and got his shot away, beating the keeper, only to see it come back off the post.
It wasn’t long before Gronant got themselves level. A set piece from Aidan Bell found its way into the net to make it 1-1.
Gronant then looked capable of taking the lead, with Jamie Williams sending a shot just over the bar. At the other end, Halkyn worked their way down the left and once again brought Pauly Jilge into action, with the Gronant keeper making a good save to deny them.
Gronant thought they had gone 2-1 up when Jamie Williams pressed the Halkyn keeper. At the time, we weren’t completely sure who had been judged to have committed the foul. Looking back at the footage afterwards, though, the referee had got it spot on.
So, 1-1 at the break, with Gronant probably having had the better clear cut of the chances.
The second half began with Halkyn looking the more dangerous side early on. They had another goal ruled out for offside, while Pauly Jilge was called upon more as the game progressed. He was in very good form.
At the other end, Nick Sutherland put a shot just wide one that, from where we were standing, we thought was heading in!
Halkyn then went straight up the other end and managed to get beyond the keeper, only to be denied by a fine last ditch clearance from Kyle Hedge. Kyle was awarded MOTM.
There were some testing efforts from distance, while Gronant worked themselves into another excellent position when Joe Sturdy found himself through on goal, but unfortunately couldn’t convert.
Halkyn began pushing further forward and started getting more from the game, asking plenty of questions of the Gronant defence.
Gronant continued to create, but not the same first half chances. Ashley Williams found himself free at the back post but couldn’t put the opportunity away.
Gronant then got away with one.
A floated ball into the box from Halkyn was flicked on by one of our players. It fell kindly to a Halkyn player who probably had time to take a touch, but the Halkyn went for the shot first time and dragged it wide.
A real let-off for Gronant which would have spelt the end of the game and any share of the points.
In the end, it was a game full of chances, with both sides having opportunities to win it. More importantly, it was played in the right spirit, with the focus firmly on the football.
A Word for the Referee
We don’t normally openly remark on officials, particularly if they’ve had a bad game. but we have to give credit where it’s due.
Young referee Josh Jones got every major call absolutely spot on.
Looking back at the footage afterwards, you have those moments where you think, “Did he actually get that right?” Whether it was the offsides, the disallowed goals, or even our own disallowed goal. all correct.
So, well done, Josh.
Last couple of weeks, we’ve seen an exceptional standard of refereeing from the young officials coming through. That deserves recognition. out there on their own, so praise has to be given.
Thank you to Halkyn United, For hosting us after the game as-well as the competitive game.
Gronant Now have the week to try and recruit to help enforce and provide a better depth and quality in the squad.
a massive well done to all our lads today. two games in three days done. 🔴🟢
