Nov 5 2009 by David Bergin, Flintshire Chronicle
SUPER sub Andy Olson was the star of the show when Gap Connah’s Quay knocked Flintshire rivals Airbus UK Broughton out of the Welsh Cup second round on Saturday.
Nomads manager Mark McGregor left the forward out of the derby clash after he managed just one league goal this season from eight starts.
But the boss was delighted with the 27-year-old’s response when he came off the bench and netted a brace as he helped Nomads to a 3-2 extra-time success.
“Andy Olson was left out of the game, but he came on early because Sam (McNutt) had an injury,” said McGregor.
“He rolled his sleeves up and said ‘this is going to be my game’. Obviously, he got his two goals and I’m absolutely delighted for him.
“He’s had chances to get himself some goals and he’s been unfortunate but now he’s got that weight off his mind, hopefully he can crack on and get us some useful goals.”
Olson put the hosts in front on 42 minutes but Airbus defender Rhys Roberts levelled on the hour mark.
The home side were then awarded a contentious spot-kick as Tom Baker put Connah’s Quay in front again from the spot, only for Giovanni Feliciello – who was back from a one-game ban – to fire in a free-kick off the underside of the crossbar to send the game into extra time.
And Olson left it late as he fired Nomads through with just two minutes remaining and the dreaded penalty shootout looming.
McGregor was pleased to witness the blood-and-thunder of the Flintshire derby for the first time.
“It was everything I expected it to be, to be honest. There was lots of goals, lots of tackles, and it was very passionate. We really wanted to win the game in extra time and it just had everything a local derby cup tie should have.”
Airbus boss Craig Harrison saw red after a controversial penalty decision turned the game against his team, but he was equally angry with his side’s first-half display.
“We were terrible in the first half,” blasted Harrison. “That was the worst we’ve played since I’ve been manager by a good way – individually, as a group, everything. So I said what I had to say at half-time and there was only one team in it in the second half.”
“But one of the major decisions went against us, which was the penalty. It was a bad decision. I shouldn’t have said what I said but it was in the heat of the moment. There’s no excusing it and I will get fined, but when you see it then you think to yourself, that was never a penalty.
“We were in the ascendancy, they had their backs against the wall; then they got the penalty and scored, which gave them extra momentum to win the game. It was a pivotal point.
“I am pretty devastated really. And the players are because they enjoyed their run last year. But good luck to Nomads – they’ve got a decent draw in the next round and I hope they go as far as they can.”