Colwyn Bay have secured their place in the last four of the Welsh Cup after a shock win against Cymru Premier outfit Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Goals from former Nomads player Ryan Edwards and another strike from in-form forward James Kirby put the Seagulls on their way against the 2019/20 finalists.
Craig Harrison’s side had the opportunity to take the lead when Lewis Sirrell handled the ball in the the area but Andy Coughlin denied the usually reliable Callum Morris.
The first chance of the half fell to Aeron Edwards who was found in the box from the right-hand side by Curran, the ball was played slightly behind him meaning his header was not controlled and flew wide.
Corners were a constant feature in the first half for the visitors, but none came to anything.
Owens forced Coughlin to make a save at the 20-minute mark from a cross that was caught by the wind as it nearly found its way into the top corner.
A few minutes later there was a half-chance for Mullan who was found a few yards outside the area, he hit a powerful shot that flew over the bar.
The Seagulls had a few good moments during the first half with James Kirby crossing to try and find Evans who was beaten to it by the defender, Byrne gathered.
Bay main man Kirby was very isolated in the first half with Cai Owen looking to be the only one pressing to join his teammate.
With the second half only just getting going, the Nomads were awarded a penalty when Lewis Sirell was deemed to have handballed in the area after Poole burst into the Bay box and hit a shot that was goalbound. Callum Morris stepped up, but Andy Coughlin made a fine save down to his left-hand side to deny the Nomads skipper.
With 63 minutes on the clock, it was still level, until Ryan Edwards showed great skill to cut inside into space, then firing a wonderful curling strike into the top corner leaving no chance for Byrne in the Nomads net to make it 1-0 to the Bay. Look out for that one on Sgorio tonight!
Soon after it was 2-0. Captain McCready intercepted the ball from Mendes in the middle of the park to find Kirby, he made a positive that saw him bearing down on the home side’s box, he hit a low shot which deflected into the net leaving Byrne stranded. 2-0 to the visitors.
15 minutes to go and the Nomads were pressing, when Poole was slipped through by Disney down the right-hand side it looked to be a certain goal, but Coughlin made a vital save yet again, this time with his legs to send the ball out of danger.
As the game drew to a close there was one last chance for the Nomads, a long-range effort from John Disney was deflected leaving the ball rolling dangerously across the floor, however, Jordan Carrington was there to stab the ball away before a Connah’s Quay attacker was able to capitalise.
The Bay played out the last few minutes very confidently and as the final whistle blew there was a huge roar from the Colwyn Bay supporters to cap off a fine victory for the Seagulls.
The Bay fans never stopped singing throughout the game, they pushed their team on and got their reward.
The Bay will now await the draw for the semi-finals where they will face Penybont, Bala Town, or The New Saints.
Full time: Connah’s Quay Nomads 0 – 2 Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay: O.Byrne, J.Disney, R.Harrington, P.Mendes (M.Corbellini 81’), J.Mullan, C.Morris ©, D.Poole, K.Owens, C.Curran (J.Insall 68’), N.Eardley (C.Simpson 60’), A.Edwards
Unused subs: K.Calderbank-Park, B.Harrison
Penalty Missed: C.Morris 49’
Colwyn Bay: A.Coughlin, J.Williams, S.Edwards, C.Owen, L.Sirrell, T.McCready ©, K.Evans (J.Ellison 82’), J.Carrington (S.Jones 90’), C.Lindfield, R.Edwards, J.Kirby
Unused subs: R.Nield, A.Woods, R.Parry
Goals: R.Edwards 63’, J.Kirby 66’
Yellow Cards: L.Sirrell 49’, K.Evans 53’
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