COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg praised his side’s battling qualities after they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Nantlle Vale.

The Seagulls’ advanced to the JD Welsh Cup third round against their third-tier opponents with a resolute display against Danny Bell’s in-form side, which was their seventh straight triumph in all competitions ahead of another busy week for the club.

They begin with a hotly anticipated derby clash against Conwy Borough at the Four Crosses Construction Arena on Tuesday night, before Bay make the trip to Buckley Town on Saturday.

Hogg, said: “We asked for a professional, hard-working performance from the lads and that’s what we got.

“The game was your typical cup tie, against a good side in form and on their home patch - it was pretty much everything we expected to be honest.

“Vale had a right go at trying to win the game and they made life difficult for us with how well they defended.

“But It was good to see the use of those battling qualities we have within the camp and, when that bit of quality was needed to break the dead lock, Julian (Williams) has stepped up and scored a screamer with the outside of his left foot to get us through into the next round.

“If I was to be picky, we could have made life somewhat easier by taking more of the many chances we had, but it was about getting the job done and we have.

“We look forward to the draw and then a huge derby game against neighbours Conwy at home on Tuesday night.

“I’m told a huge crowd is expected for that so it will be a great occasion for everyone involved and the locality again.”

Joe Chaplin started the game in the absence of Mitchell Bryant and had two good chances thwarted early on, with Julian Williams and Damian Ketley also spurning opportunities throughout a tight first period in difficult conditions.

Vale had a real go at their higher league opponents after the break and would have taken the lead had it not been for a sensational goal-line clearance from Matt Russell to keep the scores level.

The crucial moment arrived on 76 minutes and went in favour of the visitors, with Williams unleashing a ferocious left-footed strike that flew into the net to decide the tie.