NEIL GIBSON was delighted to side-step a potential banana skin as derby success saw Connah’s Quay Nomads through to the last-eight of the Welsh Cup.

Cymru Premier League high-flyers Nomads defeated local rivals Flint Town United 3-0 in the tie of the round in front of the S4C Sgorio cameras.

Both clubs utilise the Essity Stadium as their home ground and Quay manager Gibson, a former Flint boss, was happy his side came through a tricky test.

After the final whistle, he told Sgorio: “I think it was always a potential banana skin.

“That’s probably why the cameras were here, you know, Flint against Connah’s Quay.

“Lots of people from both sides have been in both changing rooms.

“Flint, I thought were really good. They worked really hard, they caused us a couple of problems at different points, but I thought that we were in complete control of the game for the majority of it, but in the cup, you’re always aware that one moment can change the game.

“So, when the third goal went in, we felt more comfortable.”

Anthony Stephens’ own goal after just six minutes separated the teams at the break, while Declan Poole set up Jack Kenny to double his side’s advantage on the hour.

Kai Edwards bagged the third goal in the closing stages.

Flint manager Lee Fowler was pleased with the efforts from his players.

“I thought it was a game of two halves, I think. Disappointed we lost the game, of course we are, but the manner in (which) we’ve lost, I thought we matched them, especially first half - I thought we were the best team,” he said.

“To go a goal behind to half-time, especially the way the goal went in as well - I think it was an own goal from Stevo - but for the cross to come in and not being on our front foot.

“But, at times, there was not much difference between the two teams in the first half.

“Second half, I don’t think they stuck to the game plan as much and I think (John) Disney got on the ball and the shape in midfield... they started finding the spaces that we tried to control in the first half and then they scored the third goal.

“So, I’m disappointed we’ve lost, but I was really proud of the performance, especially against a team that’s flying high in the league above.”

The blustery conditions made it difficult for both sides on the evening and Gibson added: “I think it was obviously a certain leveller at times, because the conditions meant that you couldn’t move the ball in the manner that you’d like to. But both teams tried to play some good football.”