THE New Saints ensured no European hangover with a 2-1 win at home to Connah's Quay Nomads to book a place in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup on Saturday.
Bizarrely the victory represented the Oswestry side's first win in the competition since 2018 as the Saints vented their European frustrations at the expense of the Flint visitors.
A lively opening saw the Nomads lead with Callum Bratley volleying home from the edge of the area after 12 minutes.
The Saints saw penalty appeals rejected after Dan Williams' effort looked to have found the arm of John Disney before Josh Daniels tested Noamds goalkeeper Andy Firth.
Action from TNS' victory over Connah's Quay Nomads. Picture by Andrew Donnison.
The Saints were level after 31 minutes with Jordan Williams slotting home after a scramble in the visitors' goalmouth.
The hosts completed their comeback before the interval with Daniels lashing past Firth after cutting inside from the right wing.
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The Saints dominated after the break with Adrian Cieslewicz seeung an effort cleared off the line before Danny Davies was denied by the woodwork.
Dan Williams was dismissed after picking up a second caution late on but the 10 man Saints almost increased their lead soon after only for Adam Roscrow to fire wide under pressure from Firth.
Action from TNS' victory over Connah's Quay Nomads. Picture by Andrew Donnison.
The Saints were almost punished late on when Jack Kenny headed wide as the Saints held out to book their progress.
Guilsfield celebrated a thrilling victory at Newtown with Nathan Leonard's side staging an upset on penalties.
Jason Oswell marked his return- by heading Newtown into an early lead before Andy Evans levelled in the first moments of the second-half.
With no further scoring the match was settled on penalties with the Guils prevailing 4-3 on penalties after the home side contrived to miss their two final spot-kicks.
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