Fresh from a good win over GAP Connah's Quay U18s last weekend, which had seen Flint Mountain climb to second in the league, attention turned to cup matters as Flint Mountain travelled to take on Offa Athletic in the first round of the Queensferry Sports President's Cup. Flint Mountain were able to welcome Marc Gunther back into the starting line up, as well as Andy Probert who had been missing through injury.

There was little action in the opening exchanges, until Flint Mountain were rocked by the opening goal. After Andy Probert conceded a free kick, the Offa player skilfully curled the ball into the top corner, leaving Ryan Roberts no chance in the Flint Mountain goal. The goal seemed to lift Offa, who continued to threaten and eventually increased their lead. The Offa player got away from his marker as the ball was played to him, before striking the ball high into the net at the near post.

Flint Mountain were not done and the spark they needed come courtesy of the returning Marc Gunther. Gunther picked up the ball in the channel and run at Offa, beating his man and then sliding the ball under the goalkeeper from a tight angle, finding the far bottom corner. A couple of half chances soon followed as they pressed for an equaliser, only for those efforts to fly over the crossbar. Shortly before half time, Offa dealt another blow by adding a third goal, leaving the Mountain players with a big second task to progress.

At half time, Mark Hughes was introduced, replacing Dylan Roberts. The second half started evenly, but Offa managed to find the pivotal goal, racing through from a straight ball down the middle before beating Ryan Roberts. That goal was followed almost immediately by a fifth Offa goal, which left Flint Mountain deflated. The introduction of Ricky Bennett and Phil Marshall from the bench added fresh legs to the side, and Sean Wilkes was able to add a second consolation goal with fifteen minutes remaining.

After winning the ball in the middle himself, Wilkes looked up and fired a long range effort from just inside the Offa half, which flew over the stranded Offa goalkeeper and into the net. Despite this, Flint Mountain were unable to break Offa down again, and deservedly, Offa progressed to the next round.

Next up for Flint Mountain is a top of the table clash with Caerwys in the league, at the Northop Hall Pavilion. Caerwys currently sit one point ahead of the Mountain, with Mountain having played two games less. A win will see Flint Mountain climb to the top of the table and with this defeat still fresh in their memories, it will be a perfect tonic.

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