COLWYN Bay marked their return to the Welsh domestic system with a narrow 1-0 loss at Gresford Athletic in the Nathaniel MG Cup.

The Seagulls’ were left counting the cost of a host of missed opportunities during the first-round tie before conceding during the closing stages, with manager Craig Hogg stating he was “disappointed with the result but not the performance”.

Uncertainty surrounds their JD Cymru North opener against Bangor City at the Four Crosses Construction Arena, with the Citizens’ cup clash against Conwy Borough postponed by the Football Association of Wales amid their ongoing off-the-field problems.

Hogg, said: “I’m disappointed with the result but not so much our performance and it’s a game I take lot from to reflect on.

“I admit we didn’t get on the ball and play anywhere like we have shown during the past six weeks, but we still do look like a team who has only been together for a short period of time and that’s understandable.

“We stood up to pretty much everything that was thrown at us away from home in what was a tight, scrappy cup tie and that was good to see.

“The first goal was so important today and unfortunately we did not score it when we were on top - to conceded late on was a little tough to take, but credit to them they took their chance when we didn’t.”

After spurning some good chances and having a seemingly clear-cut penalty waved off by the referee, Athletic took the initiative on 78 minutes when Paddy Rutter failed to collect as cross and Jordan MacCarter headed home for what proved to be the only goal of a competitive tie.

Hogg is now hopeful their league opener against Stephen Vaughan Jr’s men will go ahead on August 17 given the fact they will not have a game before the clash and how difficult it will be to arrange a friendly fixture in its place.

“We hope that game goes ahead, otherwise it’s potentially three weeks until our next competitive fixture which is a worry after we’ve just completed a six-week pre-season schedule and will struggle to get friendliest organised with everyone now in season,” he added.