However, by the time the UK player can have a UC flamer, I can have 1 mg and two grens. won't work and will surely cost you at least one unit.
Wait, what? How fast are Brit players teching these days?
It's 200 mp and 35 fuel. and then 90 muni plus the time.
I would think you would have at least 3 grens and an MG with a second MG on the way.
You can always lay an early teller mine. It's dicey but it can pull off. Roads, chokepoints are good spots for mines.
if you're in team games you can have an OKW ally get an early raketenwerfer.
As for actual counters, 222. I find it gets easily killed by an AEC or a QF 6 lbr but forcing your opponent to get AEC instead of bofors is good, and with proper micro you can dodge said AT gun. Or panzer tactician. Panzer tactician is a godsend.