PENRHYNCOCH produced a stirring display to clinch their place in the second round of the JD Welsh Cup - and set up a home tie with Cymru Alliance rivals Ruthin Town early next month.

A 17th minute opening goal from Jon Foligno and substitute Sion Meredith’s injury time strike secured a 2-0 victory over FC Nomads of Connah’s Quay at Cae Baker on Tuesday evening.

It was a terrific boost for the Roosters, who now meet a Ruthin side they defeated 1-0 away a couple of weeks back in the Cymru Alliance, thanks to a Mark Gornall penalty.

"I’m chuffed, it was a fantastic performance from everyone," said Penrhyncoch boss Gari Lewis.

"We deserved it, we looked fit and strong and finished the game well.

"Defensively we looked very solid, in midfield we were good in possession and without possession, and Liam Doherty was great up top, dovetailing really with Mark Gornall.

"Everything we worked on came off, little things started to go for us, and it was great to see Josh Shaw back after injury, coming on for the last 20 minutes.

"Financially it’s a bonus for a club like ours, a run in the cup is good for the morale and takes the pressure off as we know we’re going to be in a dogfight in the league this season."

Among several notable performances was that of young forward Liam Doherty, who led the line with energy throughout, proving a constant menace for the Nomads defence.

The 16-year-old was at the heart of several telling moves, but it was a strike from Foligno that saw the Roosters lead for much of the encounter, the defender finding the net after the visiting keeper had failed to deal with a Gareth Mansell cross.

Foligno headed wide in another raid, while Doherty was unable to capitalise after being put through on goal as the hosts proved a threat, and Owain James was also denied when released following another incisive move.

The Nomads, who have lost just once in the Welsh National League this season, saw their hopes dealt a blow after being reduced to 10 men on 74 minutes when Jord O’Brien was dismissed for his second booking.

They battled hard, forcing a couple of scrambles but, while they pushed on, they became increasingly vulnerable to the break.

Doherty saw a 25-yarder tipped round the post, before victory was wrapped up three minutes into injury time when the young forward released Josh Shaw whose shot was saved, but fellow sub Meredith was on hand to finish.

On a good night for the club, Penrhyn have been boosted by the return of the highly rated fullback/midfielder Liam James who is back after 18 months out with a shoulder injury.