Guilsfield 2

Connahs QN 4 (AET)

GALLANT Guilsfield handed cup holders Connahs Quay Nomads an almighty fright before succumbing to an extra-time defeat at Clos Mytton.

Nomads arrived as strong favourites but struggled to make their mark on a heavy pitch in driving rain and wind.

A fourth minute header from Andy Owens was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Mike Jones before the home side gave Nomads a reminder of their own threat.

On 22 minutes goalkeeper Jon Danby fumbled a cross under pressure from Robbie James with Jack Richards pouncing to net only to be ruled offside as Nomads survived a let-off.

Guilsfield were not to be denied and four minutes later Callum Bromley burst into the area from the right wing to blast his side into shock lead via the underside of the bar.

The JD Welsh Premier leaders were further rattled eight minutes later when Sam Litchfield’s flick on released Steve Blenkinsop to double the home side’s lead.

Nomads ended the half with Mike Wilde heading wide following a succession of corners with Michael Bakare also going close at the start of the second-half.

The Deesiders reduced the arrears soon after with Wilde releasing Callum Morris to head past Jones from close range.

Guilsfield were under the cosh for the remainder of the half but remained a threat on the break with Blenkinsop forcing Danby into action with 20 minutes remaining.

Nomads pressure was rewarded five minutes later with Bakare blasting through a crowded area and beyond Jones.

Jones pushed Nathan Woolfe’s free-kick onto the bar before Ryan Wignall fired just over as Nomads pressed for a late winner.

Guilsfield held out but just six minutes into extra-time Wilde headed home Bakare’s free-kick as Nomads led for the first time before Wignall raced through to complete their comeback in the second-half of extra-time as the home side faded.

GUILSFIELD: Jones, Bromley (Weetman), Parry, Rogers (Barton), Litchfield, James, Cathrall, Ford, Blenkinsop, Jenkins (Clifton), Richards. Subs: Andrew, Williams.