NEATH celebrated manager Kristian O'Leary's permanent appointment after a successful caretaker period with a confident win at Huws Gray Alliance side Flint Town United.

The former Swansea City favourite has enjoyed an undefeated spell in charge, but he was keen to praise his players who have considerably helped his cause.

"I'm very happy with the appointment and have enjoyed my time in charge, but I want to thank the players who have been fantastic," O'Leary said.

"We have all worked well together and Dave Adams and myself have told the players what we are trying to achieve and everyone has come on board.

"The lads performed very well, although credit goes to Flint who created a few chances.

"But I was really pleased with the amount of opportunities we created.

"It was not a great pitch so good football was difficult, but we got off to a cracking start and won fairly comfortably in the end."

Flint, who had already defeated Chirk, Denbigh Town and Newport Civil Service to get to the fourth round, saw their task become even more difficult when Craig Hughes gave the Eagles a 16th-minute lead.

Neath forged further ahead in the 37th minute through Chris Jones and Hughes made the tie safe with another goal in the 51st minute.

Matty Collins was sent off for two bookable offences and Jon Rush, son of Ian, hit back. But Neath breezed home with something to spare.

O'Leary made it clear the Welsh Cup is a priority. "We are in every competition to win it, that's the way you get momentum," he said.

Flint Town:

Red Cards – None

Yellow Cards – McGill 74’

Neath FC:

Red Cards – Collins 53’

Yellow Cards – Collins 50’

Ref: Huw Jones

Att: 265