Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-final draw complete after Bala pip City on pens

The quarter-final draw for the Nathaniel MG Cup is complete.

Bala Town moved into the last eight on Tuesday evening after edging out battling Bangor City 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Colin Caton’s side will renew old rivalries with a trip to Cymru North leaders Prestatyn Town in the quarters, while other northern interest is served in Connah’s Quay Nomads’ derby against Flint Town United at Deeside Stadium.

Bala Town 1 Bangor City 1
(aet – Bala won 7-6 on pens)

Cymru Premier hosts Bala needed a sudden death shootout to finally see off the brave challenge of Cymru North visitors Bangor City at Maes Tegid, reports Hannah Jones.

Lassana Mendes had Town’s first opportunity, his low drive from the edge of the box flying wide of the far upright after five minutes.

On the half-hour mark, Bala took advantage of a spell of pressure by taking the lead.

Lee Molyneux initially fired into the box but the ball bounced back into Louis Robles’ path and he lobbed the keeper from six yards with a looping effort. After an initial offside flag, the decision was overturned and Bala were 1-0 up.

City came back into the game at the end of the half with Yalany Baio blazing over and then Aldair Neto seeing his attempt collected by keeper Ashley Morris.

Bala thought they had started the second half in the best fashion when Mendes fired in a long range shot but it was ruled a team-mate was standing in an offside position.

With 59 minutes played, City were back level when Francesco Serafino’s superb strike from the edge of the box flew home to make it 1-1.

The visitors now had their tails up with Serafino and Neto going close, before at the other end City’s debutant keeper Jack Atkinson denied Nathan Burke and Sean Smith.

With no sign of a winner, the whistle blew for full-time and penalties were required.

City were up first with Massimo Sammartino scoring, Chris Venables made it 1-1, Serafino put away Bangor’s second before Burke levelled.

Former Lakesider David Thompson saw his spot-kick saved by Morris, but Bala’s Henry Jones was also thwarted by Atkinson.

Baio and Molyneux converted, as did Pavel Vieira and Evan Horwood to make it 4-4 after five penalties meaning it was now sudden death.

Neto and Jonny Spittle ensured it went to 5-5 followed by Francecso Leghissa and Mendes both netting.

Morris superbly saved Piero Cauterucci’s strike down to his left which meant a successful Town penalty now would seal the tie.

Defender Andy Burns stepped up and rocketed the ball home on his 50th appearance for the Lakesiders to book an away trip to Prestatyn Town.

Quarter-final draw

Carmarthen Town v Aberystwyth Town
Connah’s Quay Nomads v Flint Town United
Newtown v STM Sports
Prestatyn Town v Bala Town
Ties to be played week commencing October 28