IT was always going to be tough for Flint Town United at last season’s Cymru Premier League champions The New Saints.

The Silkmen lost out 5-1 against Craig Harrison’s side.

Although the visitors made a strong start, Caleb Afful capitalised on an error to give the Saints a 13th minute lead.

Leo Smith’s fine strike from distance doubled the advantage and it was quickly 3-0, with Ben Woollam on the scoresheet.

Jake Morris volleyed home the Saints’ fourth goal after the interval.

Flint did bag themselves a consolation 13 minutes from time with Harry Owen (pictured above) heading in from a corner, but the final word belonged to The New Saints via Sion Bradley.

It’s a balancing act between domestic and European football at the moment for the Saints and Harrison told TNS TV: “Obviously, we’ve got further into the European competition by getting through the first round and, obviously, we’ll play a minimum of eight games altogether, which takes us right into the season and bang in the middle of two really tough ties.

“Then we’ve got the Nathaniel Cup, which is our cup. We’re defending it, so we wanted to win and there’s a couple of first team lads needed 45 minutes, maybe 75. Blaine (Hudson) got 75, Sion got 75, Harrison (McGahey) got 45, Leo played 45 and then the rest of the lads were excellent.”

Llandudno made it through to the next round with their penalty shootout win over Guilsfield following a 2-2 draw.

Alex Boss and Mark Cadwallader netted for Llandudno, who won the shootout 4-2. Jamie Hyne netted twice for Guilsfield.

Penalties were also required as Barry Town United pipped Llanelli after a 1-1 draw, while Cardiff City progressed courtesy of a 3-1 scoreline against Pontypridd United.

Other results: Carmarthen 0 Haverfordwest 5; Merthyr 2 Ammanford 0; Llantwit Major 2 Cardiff Met 3; Briton Ferry Llansawel 0 Penybont 3; Trethomas Bluebirds 3 Baglan Dragons 1; Goytre United 3 Caerau Ely 2.