NANTLLE Vale narrowly avoided a JD Welsh Cup banana skin to reach the third round at the expense of giant-killers Llandudno Amateurs.

The Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division side took an early lead after nine minutes, and they extended their advantage after the break with their second of the contest with 39 gone.

Vale responded well and found a route back into the tie on 40 minutes when Rhys Alun converted a chance, and the away side sent the game into an additional 30 minutes when Alun fired his second on the hour mark.

The visitors completely dominated the extra time period and went ahead for the first time when Gavin Edwards converted a penalty on 113 minutes, and they doubled their tally on 115 thanks to a fine strike from Phil Warrington to secure a 4-2 triumph.

There was no such luck for Holyhead Town, who turned in a valiant effort before eventually losing 9-3 at Huws Gray Alliance side Denbigh Town.

The home side took the lead on six minutes when Jordan Barrow’s corner was diverted into his own net by Mike Bentley, but the Harbourmen levelled matters on 18 when Asa Thomas produced a sensational lob over Gwydion Owen following an error from Tony Davies.

Jake Walker and a sensational long-range effort from Barrow gave them a two-goal cushion soon after, before Thomas notched his second afternoon to reduce the arrears with 18 gone.

Things got even better for the away side just before the break when Gary Jo Owen converted a chance to level matters, but a scintillating second period from Matthew Jones and Dewi Llion’s side enabled them to progress with minimal fuss.

Prolific striker Mark Roberts helped himself to a hat-trick after the break, with Sam Jones and Barrow securing braces.