NANTLLE Vale geared up for their crunch JD Welsh Cup clash against Colwyn Bay with a thrilling 4-4 draw at Mynydd Llandegai.

Danny Bell’s side failed to hold on to a three-goal cushion in the second period and had to settle for a share of the spoils, with Bay manager Craig Hogg in attendance to witness the game before the two teams square off this Saturday.

The home side opened the scoring early on when Tom Collins finished well with just two on the clock, but Vale responded well and levelled matters on the quarter hour mark through Rob Hughes.

This was swiftly followed by another from the home side on 17 minutes, and this time it was Ashley Owen who was the recipient of a fine delivery to put away a chance.

Things got even better for the hosts during the remainder of the first period, with Sion Williams doubling their advantage on 31 minutes and Aaron Thomas hitting the target on 40 to give them a comfortable cushion heading into the break.

The home side managed to regroup at the interval and came out in the second period with a completely different mindset, getting themselves back into the game on 61 minutes when Gwyn Jones found some space and finished with aplomb.

Jones was proving too hot to handle midway through the half and he took advantage of some hesitant defending to fire in his second of the afternoon to further reduce the arrears with 67 gone.

There was still time for further drama in a pulsating contest, which came three minutes from time as Osian Jones found the net to level matters and ensure both sides had something to show for their efforts.

The result leaves Vale in sixth spot ahead of their cup tie against the Seagulls, who have won their last six in all competitions and occupy third in JD Cymru North.