NPSLMint Hill FC edged Charlottetowne Hops FC 1–0 in NPSL action on Tuesday, with an own goal from Charlottetowne's T. Lumwai in the 40th minute proving the difference.
The match got off to a feisty start. Mint Hill's D. Candia picked up a yellow card just two minutes in, setting an early tone. Neither side found a breakthrough in the opening half-hour, but the deadlock broke five minutes before halftime when Lumwai turned the ball into his own net, handing Mint Hill a lead they would not relinquish.
Charlottetowne Hops FC came out for the second half needing a response, but it was Mint Hill who continued to push the boundaries of the referee's patience. B. Horgan was cautioned in the 55th minute, followed by J. Castro three minutes later — giving Mint Hill three bookings on the night. Despite the disciplinary issues, the home side held firm and kept Charlottetowne off the scoresheet for the remainder of the contest.
The Hops struggled to create enough to find an equalizer, and Mint Hill saw the game out relatively comfortably despite being the more penalized side. It was a frustrating evening for Charlottetowne, undone not by a moment of opposition brilliance but by their own misfortune.
The result gives Mint Hill FC a valuable three points in the NPSL standings and will leave Charlottetowne Hops FC searching for answers ahead of their next fixture.