It was a weekend to forget, as Flint Mountain welcomed Offa Athletic to the Northop Hall Pavilion. Ricky Bennett was restored to the starting line up in goal, whilst Liam Mortimer also returned to the defence. There was also a first start for Mikey Scott.

Offa got off to a perfect start and took the lead after just three minutes. After winning a free kick, the ball was quickly played into the penalty area, where the Offa player got away from his marker and was left with an easy finish. Flint Mountain rarely threatened throughout the half and were punished with a second goal after half an hour. After Karl Griffiths was dispossessed in defence, the Offa player twisted and turned before firing a long range effort which flew past Bennett, leaving him no chance.

Despite earning a couple of corners late on in the half, Mountain could not force any clear cut chances. At half time, manager Rob Marshall was forced into making a couple of changes, with Mikey Scott and Marc Gunther both picking up injuries. Tommy O'Neil was also replaced as Flint Mountain looked to get back into the game, with Sam Scott, Keiran Farr and David James Jones all coming on. The changes did not seem to stop the Offa charge, as they extended their lead with a third goal. A long throw in was dealt with by the Mountain defence, and after the ball had come back off the crossbar, the ball was then stabbed into the net.

The onslaught continued as Offa grabbed a fourth goal, before Flint Mountain suddenly come to life. With the Offa goalkeeper picking up an injury, they were forced into putting a defender in goal. Sean Wilkes did then get a goal, as he managed to stab home the ball from close range. Despite having a lot of possession in the Offa half late in the game, Flint Mountain could not find another way through, as Offa held on for a much deserved win.

Next up for Flint Mountain is a Friday evening trip to Wrexham, where the awaiting opposition will be Bradley Park. The Mountain were unbeaten against Bradley last season and will be looking to repeat that and banish the memories of this disappointing defeat.

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