NIALL MCGUINNESS hailed the character of his Flint Town United players as they advanced to the Welsh Cup third round with a 3-2 home win over Gresford Athletic.

The Silkmen trailed 1-0 at the interval in their all-Alliance clash before a spirited second half comeback saw them record a third successive defeat against Steve Halliwell's Gresford side.

McGuinness said:"I thought we played very well and it was probably our best performance in the last three or four weeks.

"I thought it was harsh on us to fall behind in the game after a strong first half, but all credit to the lads for dragging themselves back into it.

"We looked sharper in the second half in terms of our finishing and final ball.

"That was the difference I think. We kept plugging away and found a way past a well-organised Gresford side.

"We're delighted to get ourselves into round three because everyone at the club is focused on putting together a solid cup run this season."

Despite enjoying the better of the first half, Flint fell behind on 37 minutes when Owen Roberts poked home from close range following a corner.

Flint hit back early in the second half with Richie Foulkes netted from the penalty spot after Damian Ketley was fouled inside the box.

Gresford almost retook the lead on the hour mark when full-back Joe Newton's powerfully-struck effort from range was tipped onto the crossbar by Flint keeper Aaron Jones.

But it was Flint that seized the initiative on 68 minutes when effective pressing from Ketley saw him steal possession before cutting the ball back for substitute Jack Higgins to slot home.

As Gresford pursued a leveller they left themselves exposed in defence late on, with Socrates Martins capitalising on a loose ball before bearing down on goal and slotting beyond Colliers keeper Ben Jones to make it 3-1.

The visitors hit back in injury-time when Joe Davies headed a late consolation, with the full-time whistle following soon afterwards.

Gresford boss Steve Halliwell said: “The penalty decision was the turning point, without a doubt.

“It was soft and once they levelled, the momentum seemed to shift and Flint started to get on top.

“It feels as though we’re lacking belief right now and it was another disappointing afternoon for us.”