Nathaniel MG Cup – Keeper McMullan is a shoot-out hero for Caernarfon again!

Newtown 2 Caernarfon Town 2
(Caernarfon won 3-1 on pens)

Penalties came to Caernarfon Town’s rescue for the second time already in these very early days of the 2024-25 season.

Having nudged past Crusaders on spot-kicks to claim an historic victory in their first-ever European tie last month, the Cofis did it again on Sunday at the expense of Newtown in the Nathaniel MG Cup.

Richard Davies’ side held a two-goal lead at Latham Park, but were pegged back to 2-2 only for their penalty-taking talents to see them home again.

An amazing first half for the visitors saw finishes from Paulo Mendes and Gruff John put them two goals up.

Seven minutes into the second half, sub Jason Oswell scored for the Robins, and although a red card for Callum Roberts shortly after was frustrating, the hosts equalised after 71 through Aaron Williams to necessitate penalties.

Just like he was against Crusaders, Caernarfon’s Irish keeper Stephen McMullan was a shoot-out hero, saving the opening kick from Oswell.

Town’s Danny Gosset made no mistake from 12 yards, Aaron Williams scored Newtown’s first penalty, but a miss from Zeli Ismael and successful conversions from Louis Lloyd and Morgan Owen put the visitors in control. Shane Sutton stepped up to keep the Robins in the competition, but his penalty was saved by McMullan.

Buckley Town 0 Connah’s Quay Nomads 3

Debut goals from Fumpa Mwandwe and Tyler Berry came either side of Callum Humphries’ own goal as Nomads returned to winning ways following their defeat to NK Bravo in the UEFA Europa Conference League last month.

Colwyn Bay 0 Aberystwyth Town 2

Defeat for the Bay in a testing encounter against Cymru Premier survivors Aberystwyth.

Niall Flint won and scored a 38th minute penalty to break the deadlock after he was fouled in the area by Cai Owen.

The game was tightly contested for the majority of the second half, but the Seasiders got their all-important second goal 14 minutes from time as Flint’s cross was turned home by John Owen.

Gresford Athletic 1 Airbus UK Broughton 4

A second half blitz saw Airbus progress to the third round with a 4-1 win at Gresford.

Sam Baker fired the Wingmakers ahead after he converted the rebound from Danny Warren’s saved shot, but Gresford levelled near the hour thanks to a deft lob from Dom Deacon.

The scoreline was not at parity for long as Airbus quickly restored their lead through George Peers, who smashed home the rebound from his saved penalty.

Peers and Baker both added third and fourth goals within the space of three minutes to bag their braces.

Holywell Town 3 Llay Welfare 1

Cymru North champions Holywell were 3-1 victors in their second round clash with Llay Miners Welfare at Bartons North Wales Stadium.

Danny Sullivan’s header, followed by a classy finish from Dave Forbes, who scored his first goal since last September after some lengthy injury spells, put Holywell two in front at the break.

American Bisensio Kamilo found the net six minutes into the second half to get Llay on the scoresheet, but a looping header from Jake Roberts saw the Wellmen restore their two-goal lead and comfortably see out the tie.

Llandudno 2 Guilsfield 2 (Llandudno won 4-2 on pens)

New Llandudno keeper Cameron Darling saved two shoot-out penalties to ensure his team progressed in a dramatic tie at Go Goodwins Stadium.

Alex Boss’ strike for Tudno was cancelled out by Jamie Hyne early in the second half.

Seasiders substitute Mark Cadwallader thought he had won the match in the third minute of stoppage time, but Hyne retorted with another equaliser.

Darling saved Guilsfield’s first two spot kicks, while the home side netted all four with Boss grabbing the winner.

Ruthin Town 0 Bala Town 1

An 86th minute goal from teenage substitute Tom Hughes secured a narrow 1-0 win for Colin Caton’s side at the Memorial Playing Fields.

The New Saints 5 Flint Town United 1

Nathaniel MG Cup holders The New Saints began their trophy defence with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Flint Town United.

Due to their participation in Europe, Saints manager Craig Harrison rested several first-team players and named a much younger squad, which featured 11 teenagers.

However, the change of lineup did not affect the quality of the Cymru Premier champions as goals from Caleb Afful, Leo Smith, Ben Woollam and Jake Morris saw the hosts open up a four-goal lead with an hour played.

Flint captain Harry Owen pulled a goal back, but Saints restored their four-goal cushion with a penalty from Sion Bradley, who joined from Caernarfon Town this summer.