CAERNARFON Town booked their place in the Welsh Cup last 32 with a deserved 3-1 victory at Flint Town United after overturning an early deficit at Essity Stadium on Saturday.

The cup holders made the worst possible start when Tunde Owolabi fired Flint ahead after just five minutes, but the Cofis responded, Harry Charsley with his first goal for the club moments later.

Chances came at both ends during an entertaining first half. Mikey Burke went close to extending Flint's lead when he struck the post, while Caernarfon almost levelled as Adrian Cieslewicz saw a dangerous delivery come back off the crossbar.

FLINT, WALES - 17 OCTOBER 2026: Zack Clarke of Caernarfon Town puts the away side 2-1 up during the FAW Welsh Cup match between Flint Town United and Caernarfon Town at Essity Stadium, Flint, Wales. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Zack Clarke of Caernarfon Town puts the away side 2-1 up (Football Association of Wales)

The visitors emerged from the break with greater purpose and gradually took control of proceedings. Flint goalkeeper Jack Flint was called into action repeatedly, producing a string of fine saves to keep out Paulo Mendes, Sion Bradley and Zack Clarke as the pressure mounted.

Caernarfon's persistence finally paid off in the 66th minute when Clarke bundled home from close range to score his 13th goal of the season and bring the sides level.

With momentum firmly on their side, the visitors continued to push forward and were rewarded seven minutes later. Clarke was brought down inside the penalty area by Harry Dean, leaving referee Gareth Thomas with little option but to point to the spot. Bradley stepped up and calmly converted to put Richard Davies' side a two-goal cushion.

FLINT, WALES - 17 OCTOBER 2026: Sion Bradley of Caernarfon Town makes it 3-1 from the penalty spot during the FAW Welsh Cup match between Flint Town United and Caernarfon Town at Essity Stadium, Flint, Wales. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Sion Bradley of Caernarfon Town makes it 3-1 from the penalty spot (Football Association of Wales)

Flint struggled to mount a response as Caernarfon tightened their grip on the tie. Noah Edwards came close to adding a fourth when he struck the upright, but the visitors made sure of their progress before the final whistle with a late goal that capped a dominant second-half display.

The victory continues an encouraging run of form for Caernarfon, who sit fourth in the Cymru Premier and have now built valuable momentum in both league and cup competitions.