MANAGER Craig Hogg has hailed his Colwyn Bay players as “heroes” after they beat Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met University 1-0 to reach the JD Welsh Cup quarter finals.

Jack Higgins scored the only goal of the game after 10 minutes as Bay secured their place in the last eight of the competition for the first time in 29 years. It was an historic night on two fronts as the Seagulls played their first ever match on live TV with S4C broadcasting the match.

Bay were given an early let off when Cardiff Met were awarded a fifth minute penalty when Matt Chubb was brought down by Lewis Sirrell, but Bay keeper Andy Coughlin saved Eliot Evans’ spot kick.

The Students had chances to get back into the game but had no luck in front of goal with Coughlin in fine form in front of the cameras.

“It was an incredible performance from 11 heroes,” Hogg said.

“We came up against a very good team. They had a missed chance in the first couple of minutes and Andy’s then gone and saved a penalty.

“Then Jack Higgins goes and scores up the other end.

“We’ve had to rely on a couple of saves, couple of catches and defended the box really, really well.

“Every single one of the players have given absolutely physically everything they can or the cause.

“As a manager of this football club I don’t think I can ask any more than that.”

Colwyn Bay find out their Welsh Cup quarter final opponents in the draw at 8pm on Monday, October 18. The teams they could face include Bala, TNS, Aberystwyth Town, Connah's Quay Nomads, Guilsfield, Penybont and Taffs Well.

Bay return to JD Cymru North action this weekend with a trip to unbeaten Guilsfield, who are second in the table.