NATHANIEL MG CUP ROUND-UP
AT the start of last week, Craig Harrison was preparing Connah’s Quay Nomads to launch the defence of their Nathaniel MG Cup title against arch-rivals The New Saints.
Come matchday he was in the opposite dugout.
A remarkable chain of events saw TNS chairman Mike Harris stump up enough cash to meet the terms of the buyout clause in Harrison’s contract to take him back to Park Hall.
By the end of play on Saturday, Harrison’s emotions must have been all over the place as TNS were beaten 5-4 on penalties by the Nomads after the game ended 1-1 after extra time.
Despite Saints keeper Connor Roberts pulling off three superb saves from the spot, the Nomads progressed to the third round after Ryan Harrington’s winning spot-kick.
Connah’s Quay took the lead courtesy of David Wilde’s volley before Declan McManus equalised for TNS.
“It was great to manage my first game back at the ground,” said new Nomads boss Neil Gibson.
Barry Town United’s difficult start to the season continued at Haverfordwest, where they suffered a 4-2 defeat.
It was 1-1 at half-time after Lee Jenkins opened the scoring for the home side before Josh Graham responded a minute later. But the Pembrokeshire club turned on the style with two goals from Jack Wilson and another from Rhys Abbruzzese.
Barry replied with a penalty from teenage substitute Mo Djalo.
Afan Lido made the third round thanks to a 5-2 win over Cwmbran Celtic. There were braces from Josh Webber and Chris Jones, while Carlos Indjai completed the scoring.
Caernarfon Town had a first-half goal from Iwan Cartwright to thank for their 1-0 win at Holyhead Hotspur, while Iwan Jones scored for Buckley Town as they won 1-0 at Cefn Druids.
A 70th-minute winner from Phillip Perry saw Aberystwyth Town knock out Llanidloes Town 2-1. Llanidloes took an early lead via Phillip Evans, but Aber equalised through Ioan Davies.
Elwy Owen was the hero for Ruthin Town with his header 12 minutes from time edging out Guilsfield FC.
Goals from Matthew Jones and Liam Samuel cancelled out John Roberts’ early strike as Ammanford beat Swansea University 2-1.
Pontypridd United beat Carmarthen Town 2-0 with goals by Rhys Owain Jones and Lewys Twamley.
Taffs Well won 5-0 at Trefelin. James Allen, Thomas Lyon, Thomas Cann and Michael Lewis netted, plus there was an own goal by Michael Watters.
Holywell Town beat Caersws FC 6-1. Daniel Andrews fired in a hat-trick, David Forbes scored two and Joshua Cairns was also on target.