CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS departed the Welsh League Cup with a 2-1 defeat at home to Aberystwyth Town.
However, it's all about looking at the bigger picture, with the cup giving boss Billy Paynter the opportunity to hand game-time to the Academy talent at the club.
A total of seven Academy graduates started the tie, with Harvey Scott making his senior debut.
James Hughes and Conor Partridge were also named in the senior squad for the first time.
Nomads broke the deadlock early on through Luca Hogan, who bundled home the rebound after Jayden Tang’s low drive had been saved.
Aberystwyth got back on level terms before the break as frontman Alex Darlington sent a low drive into the bottom corner and beyond keeper Jon Rushton.
The key goal arrived midway through the second half when Aber went 2-1 up.
A well-worked team move concluded with Harry Arnison picking out the bottom corner of the net with a powerful strike.
Nomads did go close to equalising through Dan Flanders, with his header just off target.
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