JAY CATTON saluted a "fantastic result and pleasing performance" as Connah's Quay Nomads beat rivals Airbus 5-1 to reach the Welsh Premier League Cup quarter-finals.

Jack Kenny, Craig Jones and Rob Hughes put Nomads in full control at the break, before the latter added his second quickly after the restart and Ryan Wignall grabbed number five after James Hooper's consolation for Airbus.

Nomads made seven changes from the side that beat Carmarthen Town 3-1 in the top-flight on Saturday, and Catton was pleased with a good night's work.

Director of football Catton said: "They are having a great season, they've got nine wins from nine and they are top of the Cymru Alliance, and deservedly so.

"We watched their last two games - against Guilsfield and Rhyl - in detail and they play 3-5-2, it's expansive football and they are a very, very strong outfit.

"They've come here and gone full strength apart from Asa Hamilton, who is injured, so they've shown their commitment to the game and wanting to win at the Deeside Stadium.

"But it was a good performance from us, a pleasing performance given the changes we've made - seven from Saturday, because we need to utilise the squad.

"It was a fantastic result and pleasing performance."

Midfielder Hughes caught the eye with a goal in each half, Catton praising the former Rhyl man, who has had to be patient this term.

"Rob has got that quality," said Catton. "His box-to-box running is superb and his play around the box is dangerous.

"There are areas of his game he needs to work on, and Rob knows that, in order to step up to the level we need him to be and believe he can be.

"He's working hard and developing.

"There were a number of good performances. It shows the strength of the squad and also shows the competition within in the group."

Flint Town United boss Niall McGuinness felt his side's 6-1 defeat at the hands of Bala Town wasn't a fair reflection on the 90 minutes.

Kieran Smith struck a hat-trick with Mike Hayes (2) and Stuart J Jones completing the rout for Bala, while Ryan Smith found the target for Flint.

Silkmen boss McGuinness tweeted: "Harsh scoreline to take that tonight.

"Started the game with 6 U18 year olds on the pitch. Felt all in all the lads gave a real good account of themselves @FlintTownFC & as a group worked right till the end.

"Good luck to @BalaTown in the next round. Real quality organised side."

Hat-trick hero Smith, meanwhile, was pleased to help Bala book a place in the last eight of the competition, saying: "We knew it would be a tough fixture, but it was a good, disciplined and professional performance and we deserve to be in the next round."