A STUNNING second half display saw Llandudno Albion begin their Mawddach Challenge Cup defence with a 3-2 home victory over Nantlle Vale.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side emerged with a passage to the second round after a pulsating affair throughout, but it was Vale that drew first blood thanks to a Matthew Owen penalty with just three minutes on the clock.

After the break saw the tie really come to life, and a flurry of goals began on 50 minutes when talented forward Lee Thomas finished well, and the former Llandudno star was on hand to put Darren Jones’ side ahead for the first time after 67.

This joy proved to be short-lived as Vale struck back almost instantly through a Luke Williams spot-kick on 69, but the hosts secured a dramatic success late on when Adam Hold hit the target in stoppage time.

Mochdre Sports also booked their place in the hat with a 5-3 home triumph over Division Two rivals Meliden.

A brace apiece from Kai Davies and Josh Grimshaw did the majority of the damage, with Niall Owen finding the target late on to round off the scoring.

Goals from Alfie Caldecott, Dan Williams and teenage sensation Benn Lundstram gave Penmaenmawr Phoenix a 3-1 cup success over Greenfield on home soil, and Llanrwst United also advanced thanks to a 3-1 win at Llandudno Junction.

There was no such luck for Glan Conwy, who bowed out of the competition with a narrow 4-3 loss at in-form Kinmel Bay.