Despite playing for more than half of the game with 10 men after a red card for Ryan Astles, the Bay will be disappointed not to have hung on for the win as they were the better side for much of the game.

They dominated the opening 20 minutes without being able to finish a number of chances. Lewis Sirrell had two efforts blocked on the line in one goalmouth scramble and Jordan Davies had a shot on the turn also blocked.

Then with with their first real attack, Cardiff took the lead on 21 minutes through Sam Snaith after a swift passing attack.

Jack Kenny had a shot saved after a strong run down the right and visiting keeper Aaron Davies saved from Jordan Davies and Callum Bratley as Bay looked to hit back.

But a poor pass gave away possession in their own half and, after a VAR review, Ryan Astles was sent off on 35 minutes for a last-man challenge just outside the area.

The Bay’s 10 men started the second half really strongly and from a corner Sam Snaith diverted the ball into his own net for the equaliser.

Sam Hart then scored direct from another corner to put Colwyn Bay 2-1 up just after the hour and they were unlucky not to increase their lead with Jordan Davies having a goal ruled out for offside and another great effort from the half-way line, with the keeper out of his ground, was just wide.

Cardiff, however, equalised somewhat out of the blue on 74 minutes through Jasper Payne and although Aaron Davies made a one-handed diving save from Declan Poole to prevent Bay adding a third goal, the ten-men had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

COLWYN BAY: Mark Halstead, Sam Hart (c), Nathan Peate, Lewis Sirrell, Jack Kenny (Ethan Roberts 64), Callum Bratley, Jordan Davies (Matty Hill 90), Josh Williams, Ryan Aastles, Declan Poole, Aeron Edwards. Subs unused: Seb Osment, Sol Forde, Adam Davies, Riley Foster, Ben Hoban.