Ramone Nelson and Alun Parry returned to the starting line up, whilst Phil Stott replaced the absent Jordan Hollingsworth in defence.

It was a blustery but balmy afternoon in Flintshire on Saturday and the wind benefited the hosts in the first half; the Mynydd Isa keeper and back line were able to play direct and bypass the midfield when needed which mean Athletic were limited to trying to strike on the counter when possible.

Neither side really threatened in the first half. The home side had a couple of chances saved by keeper Adam Taylor, whilst the offside flag was raised nearly every time Offa got close to the opposition goal. Athletic were frustrated, but looked forward to having the wind to help them in the second half.

HT: MYNYDD ISA SPARTANS 0-0 OFFA ATHLETIC

After the break, Offa still struggled to get out of second gear; the football on display in midweek against Cefn wasn't on show and as the minutes ticked by, the frustrations grew. Refereeing decisions seemed to start going in favour of the home side as they pushed for an opener and the began to make chances.

The pressure paid dividends 10 minutes in to the second half; Atheltic failed to deal with the ball on the edge of the box, a through ball found its way to Isa striker Mike Whales who slotted his finish into the bottom corner.

The visitors were forced into action and began to push as they looked to grab an equaliser. The Spartans broke with pace and as Whales tried to jinx past left back Danny Geddes, the Isa man went down under the challenge and the ref pointed to the spot. Nathan Jones stepped up and made it 2-0 to home side.

Offa were caught on the break again shortly after as Whales was dubiously deemed onside by the referee and was able to round keeper Taylor to bag his second of the day.

Matthew Bennett was able to make the most of some confusion in the back line as the keeper and centre back got their wires crossed allowing the forward to put the ball in an empty net. However, Bennett will have been disappointed to not get at least one more as a close range header sailed over the bar with minutes left on the clock.

The Wrexham side continued to try and break through the Spartans defence in the last five minutes, but it was too little too late as the Spartans held on for a 3-1 victory.

FULL TIME: MYNYDD ISA SPARTANS 3-1 OFFA ATHLETIC
MOTM (as chosen by Mynydd Isa): RAMONE NELSON