By Paul Jones

Caernarfon Town earned one of their best results in European football after Gruffydd John scored decisively in a penalty shoot-out to beat Crusaders of Northern Ireland.

The Welsh club triumphed over Crusaders in a thrilling shoot-out in Belfast, advancing to the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

The visitors, holding a two-goal lead from the first leg, extended their advantage in the first half through Paulo Mendes’ strike.

Crusaders made a spirited comeback with two quick goals after halftime, and Philip Lowry’s 72nd-minute goal brought the tie level on aggregate.

https://twitter.com/welshfootie/status/1813693022850142431

After seven successful penalties each, both goalkeepers made crucial saves, John then secured victory by converting after Jordan Owens’ effort was stopped.

Caernarfon Town, playing only their second European match, started strongly.

They extended their lead in the 25th minute when Crusaders failed to clear Darren Thomas’ corner, allowing Mendes to control the loose ball and fire past Jonny Tuffey.

Soon after, Jacob Blaney had a chance to score, but Stephen McMullan saved his initial shot and gathered the follow-up.

https://twitter.com/DylanEbz/status/1813698581943173229

The Welsh side dominated possession until halftime, while Crusaders struggled to challenge McMullan.

Crusaders’ spirited second half saw them level the match within a minute of the restart when Clarke’s long-range free-kick eluded McMullan.

In the 49th minute, Crusaders took the lead as Daniel Larmour headed home Clarke’s corner.

Lowry equalised on aggregate after James Teelan’s long throw-in caught Caernarfon Town’s defense off guard. The captain skillfully advanced and fired into the bottom left corner.

FULL-TIME!

Crusaders (3) 3 – 1 (3) Caernarfon Town – Caernarfon Town win 8-7 on penalties

[Paulo Mendes, 24'; Ben Kennedy, 47', Adam Lecky, 49', Phillip Lowry, 72']#JDCymruPremier | #UEFAConferenceLeague pic.twitter.com/KRhdrdrAti

— Y Clwb Pêl-Droed (@YClwbPelDroed) July 17, 2024

Extra time yielded no decisive goal, despite Crusaders’ claims for a penalty when Jay Boyd’s cross appeared to hit a Caernarfon Town player’s hand. Referee Heini Ziskason Viooy dismissed the appeals.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, substitute Owens’ miss allowed John to convert the decisive spot-kick, giving Caernarfon Town an 8-7 victory.

They will face Legia Warsaw in the second qualifying round next week.

https://twitter.com/CymruLeagues/status/1813698301105185187