AIRBUS made holders The New Saints work hard to progress through to the quarter-finals of the Welsh League Cup.

Adrian Cieslewicz’s strike in first half stoppage time made sure of a 1-0 win for Craig Harrison’s side against the Cymru North leaders.

Both teams would end the night with 10 men, with Airbus’ George Peers and Saints’ Oli Blayney being sent off.

Harrison told the club’s X site: “It was never going to be anything but a tough one. They’ve got flying confidence in the league and they’ve got nothing to lose.”

Airbus boss Mark Allen said: “Very pleased with the performance. The lads put in a real shift and on a different day, it might have been a different result. But we were under no illusions how difficult the challenge was this evening. They’re a very good side.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads booked their spot in the last-eight via a 3-2 triumph at home to Caernarfon Town.

It was a young Quay squad that was utilised on the night, with academy products Dan Roberts and Luca Hogan (pictured) cancelling out first half goals from Adam Davies and Danny Gosset.

Elliott Dugan grabbed his first goal for the side to settle the tie a quarter-of-an-hour from time.

Nomads’ boss Billy Paynter told the club’s YouTube channel: “I say Dugs was probably the one that we wanted to keep on the pitch.

“He’s missed game time, but as a striker, certainly for his size, you want minutes and for his hard work, his goal was his reward. Again, Luca, great to see him get on the scoresheet, but it was not only the young lads as well.

“I think the players who’ve been in and around the squad and on the bench, it was important that I see them in match action and they showed, again, great leadership, helping the young lads in the game, because Caernarfon were very strong.”

Holywell Town lost 2-0 at Bala Town.

It was a battling display from the Cymru North Wellmen, who fell behind to Hussein Mehasseb’s strike late in the first half. Mehasseb added another after the break to confirm the Lakesiders’ triumph.

Aberystwyth Town edged out Llandudno 3-2 and Cymru Premier League leaders Penybont beat Haverfordwest 1-0.

Other results: Cardiff U21s 2 Merthyr 1; Cardiff Met 9 Goytre 1; Trethomas 1 Barry 4.