Connahs Quay Nomads 2 TNS 1

TNS failed to reach the semi-finals of the J D Welsh Cup for the first time in eight years as Connahs Quay Nomads caused a quarter final shock.

The Saints led inside the opening two minutes with Aeron Edwards steering home Chris Marriott’s right wing free-kick.

A frantic opening spell saw the Nomads hit back five minutes later with Mike Bakare’s free-kick beyond goalkeeper Andy Wycherley.

Bakare continued to harass the TNS defence with Wycherley forced into a brave save at his feet as the Nomads pressed.

TNS weathered the storm and almost regained their lead on half-time with another Marriott free-kick met by Connell Rawlinson whose goalbound header forced home goalkeeper Jon Danby into action.

The second-half was just four minutes old when the Nomads led for the first time with Callum Morris converting a penalty following a clumsy challenge on Andy Owens by Steve Saunders.

TNS rang the changes in a bid to get back into the tie with Blaine Hudson and Greg Draper going close.

Nomads also went close with Owens turning a shot onto the woodwork from seven yards before ex-Saint Mike Wilde fired wide.

TNS laid siege in the final quarter but failed to test Danby as the well drilled Nomads side soaked up wave after wave of pressure while maintaining their own threat on the counter.

A disappointing free-kick from Ryan Brobbel came to nothing in the Saints best moment as the Oswestry club’s dreams of a domestic clean sweep ended in Deeside.

TNS: Wycherley, Marriott, Saunders, Rawlinson (Pryce), Routledge, Brobbel, Hudson, Mullan, Ebbe (Draper), Holland, Edwards (Kauber). Subs: Jones, Bower.