JD WELSH CUP
HOLDERS The New Saints cruised into the last 16 of the JD Welsh Cup after putting nine past third tier Mold Alexandra without reply at Park Hall.
The seven-time winners were in control at the break thanks to goals from Kurtis Byrne, Danny Redmond and Greg Draper which put them into a three-goal lead.
Six more followed after the re-start. Byrne helped himself to another three for a four-goal personal haul, including one from the penalty spot, while Blaine Hudson, Draper again and Kane Lewis completed the romp.
It also came just seven days after free-scoring TNS battered Airbus 12-0 in a league fixture.
Meanwhile joining them in the hat for the fourth round are 2018 winners Connah’s Quay Nomads, who eventually overcame fourth tier side
Abertillery Bluebirds 3-0.
Goals from Michael Bakare, Michael Wilde, and Sameron Dool saw the men from Deeside book their place in the next round as they bid to reach a third final in succession and regain the cup they surrendered to TNS in last season’s final.
Colwyn Bay, playing their first home game in the Welsh Cup since 1992, knocked out JD Cymru Premier club Airbus after extra-time.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Tom McCready’s goal settled the tie 1-0 in favour of the Seagulls, who play one division below the Wingmakers in JD Cymru North after they re-joining the Welsh pyramid system ahead of this season.
Airbus were not the only Premier side crashing out, with Carmarthen and Bala also exiting at the hands of lower division opponents.
Carmarthen were thumped 4-0 by Ammanford of JD Cymru South in the west Walian derby at Richmond Park. The evergreen Lee Trundle, now 43, continues to roll back the years with another brace after Gavin Jones’ earlier double.
And there will be no return to the final this season for 2017 cup winners Bala after they went out 2-0 at Flint Town United.
There was no such trouble for Caernarfon Town, who won 4-0 at Goytre United thanks to a Darren Thomas double, a Nathan Craig penalty and a goal from Leo Smith.
Elsewhere a wonder strike at the death from Wes Baynes sent 10man Aberystwyth Town through 2-1 against Ruthin Town.
Newtown won the all Premier clash at Barry Town United 1-0.