Offa entertained Rhostyllen in our first game at our new home ground at Gresford Colliery Club. Rhostyllen fielded a strong team made of predominantly first team players (despite one noticeable absentee). There were four enforced changes from Wednesday, as Chris Hewitt is on his annual pilgrimage to Basra, Owen McGrath working, Rob Darlington and Adam Taylor were rested. In came Alex Bailey, Cian, Lewis Hallam and a trialist was paired with the evergreen James Eastwood at CB.

The game was played at a high intensity for the first 20 minutes with both sides hard into the tackle and trying to gain a foothold in the game. Rhostyllen were causing problems down their right and from set pieces. They took the lead when their player powered home unmarked from a corner. 1-0 HT

In the second half still a close game, although a couple of great Lewis Hallam saves and a Lee Bent block kept Offa in it. Despite this, James Gibney was finding an increasing amount of space with the game stretched and he crossed low to put it on a plate for new signing Peter Hope, who knocked home. With chances at a premium James Gibney missed a glorious opportunity to give the home side the lead, but made amends moments later. He slid the ball under the keeper from a tight angle to give Offa the advantage. Both teams continued to push for the all important next goal, but it was Rhostyllen who struck next. Their striker fired into the far corner from inside the box to level the score. 2-2 was a fair result, but Offa were unlucky not to hold out in a battling performance.

All credit to the lads who worked their socks off and everyone on the pitch made a positive contribution. MOTM must go to Sam Price, absolute beast and a captains performance. The leadership in the middle of the park - I haven't seen for a long time. Something we have sorely missed in the past two seasons. Best of luck to our opponents Rhostyllen F.C in their first season in the Premier Division, I'm sure you'll give a good account of yourselves.