NEWI Cefn Druids put their Welsh Premier League worries behind them on Saturday to book their place in the third round of the Welsh Cup.
Hat-trick hero Mike Heverin and Joe Feeney fired the Ancients to a 4-2 home win over the Welsh Alliance’s Halkyn United, who led twice.
Cymru Alliance duo Lex XI and Gresford Athletic are also through to the last 32 after they, too, disposed of Welsh Alliance opposition.
Nathan Jones and Gareth Roberts saw Lex to a 2-1 home victory over Glan Conwy while Gresford, thanks to Gareth Williams, Max Peate (pen) and Owen Roberts (2), came from behind to triumph 4-1 at home to Rhydymwyn after extra-time.
Castell Alun Colts were thrashed 8-0 at Welsh Premier League big boys Rhyl.
Three of Castell Alun’s Welsh National League Premier Division neighbours crashed out to Cymru Alliance teams.
Brickfield Rangers, who played most of the second half with 10 men after keeper Andy Ruscoe was sent off, were edged out 4-3 by Buckley Town despite Nathan Jones and Nathan Buckley (2) goals.
A disputed injury-time penalty condemned Llay Welfare to a 2-1 defeat at Holyhead Hotspur after Mariousz Prochenka had levelled the contest.
Chirk AAA fell 4-1 at Denbigh Town while another Welsh National League Premier Division outfit, Llangollen Town, went in front through Lee Phelan but were beaten 2-1 at home by the Mid Wales League’s Tywyn Bryncrug.
Druids return to league action at Porthmadog tomorrow and host Caernarfon on Tuesday for their final Loosemores Challenge Cup Group Three encounter (both 7.30pm).
