BILLY PAYNTER knows Connah’s Quay Nomads’ talented Academy players won’t let him down whenever they’re required for first team duty.

Boss Paynter, getting his squad ready for tomorrow’s trip to Cardiff Met, handed Academy youngsters the chance to shine in the midweek 3-2 Welsh League Cup triumph over Caernarfon Town.

“What we had is that we’ve got strength in coming through the Academy,” Paynter told the club’s YouTube channel.

“The quality that John Disney does, Jay (Catton) does with the Academy and obviously talking to them and their trust in the players.

“So, it was a great opportunity for them to showcase what they’ve got and didn’t they just do that?”

That win ended a two-match losing sequence for Connah’s Quay, who are currently eighth in the standings.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Met have enjoyed a positive start to the campaign and a record of just one loss in seven matches sees them in second position.

It has been a mixed opening to the campaign for Connah’s Quay,who have won two and lost three of their six contests.

It’s unbeaten Penybont who occupy top spot in the standings and they will host defending champions The New Saints tonight in the match of the weekend.

Craig Harrison’s Saints are playing catch-up on the back of their European exploits over the summer and they’re in fourth place, with four wins from their opening four league matches.

Bala Town will be looking to strengthen their top-six berth as they play host to Newtown this evening, while Haverfordwest face a trip to Aberystwyth.

Tomorrow, Barry play host to Caernarfon Town.