NEIL GIBSON was away from the control centre of the dugout as Connah’s Quay Nomads opened their domestic season in winning fashion.

Manager Gibson had to watch on from the stand as Nomads gained a 3-0 Welsh League Cup success over Buckley Town at The Globe.

Gibson told Nomads’ YouTube channel: “Really pleased with our players and our staff.

“I thought, obviously, with myself being in the stand today, you know, Lee Jones and Jon McCarthy have obviously led the team and led it really well from the side.

“Opportunity for us really with scoring early, I would have liked us to go and get a second goal and kill it off earlier, but it wasn’t to be.”

Fumpa Mwandwe and Tyler Berry netted on their debuts for Nomads, whose other strike came via an unfortunate own goal by Buckley’s Callum Humphries.

Buckley boss Asa Hamilton told the club’s X site: “I’m really proud of my boys. They’ve absolutely made Buckley proud.”

A trio of Flintshire clubs are through to the last-16 of the Welsh League Cup, with Holywell Town and Airbus also progressing after respective wins over Llay Welfare and Gresford Athletic.

Flint Town United are out following a 5-1 defeat at cup holders The New Saints.