THERE was a spot of bother as Flint Town United departed the cup in cruel fashion.

Lee Fowler’s charges battled back in their all-Cymru Premier League encounter versus Bala Town at the Essity Stadium, before the Lakesiders finally managed to prevail 4-2 on penalties to secure their spot in the last-16 of the competition.

There had been midweek disappointment for Bala, who lost out to The New Saints in the quarter-finals of the Welsh League Cup, and Colin Caton’s side did build up a two-goal advantage.

After 32 minutes, Jake Phillips’ own goal had Bala in front.

Flint ended the opening period on the front foot and there were opportunities for Elliott Reeves, Phillips and Florian Yonsian as the home side sought a response.

However, the lead was doubled when George Newell struck on the hour. Back came Flint, though, and two goals in the space of eight minutes hauled them level.

George Maire’s strike handed the Silkmen hope and a good finish from Yonsian completed the fightback. The Silkmen did go close to winning it in stoppage time, but captain Harry Owen’s shot was cleared off the line.

Josh Jones and Yonsian were Flint’s scorers in the shootout, but clinical efforts from Newell, Louis Robles, Nathan Burke and Kieran Lloyd made sure it was Bala who progressed.

One disappointing note for Flint was a serious-looking injury for striker Reeves, who went off after striking a metal barrier.

Bala were one of five teams to go through on penalties.

For the second round running, Holyhead Hotspur held their nerve in a shoot-out to see off Anglesey neighbours Trearddur Bay.

Craig Whelan scored the winning spot-kick as Cymru Premier legend Les Davies missed Bay’s last penalty after the tie had ended 0-0.

Carmarthen Town won 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Penydarren while it was a 10-9 nail-biter for top-flight club Haverfordwest County at Ammanford where it had ended 1-1.

Afan Lido beat Morriston Town 6-5 on penalties after it also finished 1-1.