Flint claimed a 2-0 victory over Horden in the first round of the NM Cup at their home ground on Saturday evening. The result gives the hosts a positive start to their cup campaign, while Horden will need to regroup after a disappointing outing. The match finished with clear margins on the scoreline, though the statistics tell a more balanced story.
Both sides registered similar attacking numbers, with Flint managing 109 attacks to Horden's 120. Possession was evenly split at 0.5 for each team, suggesting neither side could establish sustained dominance. The difference came in clinical finishing—Flint found the target six times compared to Horden's three attempts on goal.
What struck me watching was how the match unfolded. By then, it was clear that Horden had more possession but lacked the edge in the final third. Flint, to be fair, made their opportunities count and never looked vulnerable after taking the lead. The visitors could have pressed harder, but the yellow cards—five for Flint against one for Horden—suggest a match that grew increasingly physical.
The recent form of both teams adds context to this result. Flint have not been consistent, with heavy defeats against Fredrikstad and Eik-Tønsberg among their last five outings. Horden showed more resilience, drawing twice and losing only once in their previous encounters. Yet on this occasion, experience and composure made the difference.
Looking at the numbers, Flint's 18 shots off target versus Horden's 15 tells you about the approach each side took. The visitors had more attempts but fewer on target, which often means a team is shooting from distance rather than working the channels effectively. Corners followed a similar pattern—six for Flint, nine for Horden—but neither side could convert set pieces into meaningful chances.
What matters now is what this means for both clubs. Flint sit on a positive note ahead of their next fixture, while Horden have work to do before their next appearance. The goal difference of two goals separates them, and in cup football, that margin can prove decisive later on.