Connah’s Quay Nomads completed the second remarkable European comeback in the space of a week for Welsh football, as they secured a shock win over Kilmarnock in the Uefa Europa League qualifying first round.
The Nomads went into the game trailing to a 2-1 first-leg defeat, but second-half goals from Callum Roberts and Callum Morris sealed the Deeside club claim a famous win.
Connah’s Quay recovered from last week’s defeat and stunned the home crowd at Rugby Park when Callum Roberts head them in front, five minutes into the second-half.
Despite levelling the tie over two-legs, Connah’s Quay were still trailing on away goals but were given a lifeline with ten minutes remaining when Stuart Finley conceded a penalty which earned him an instant dismissal.
Callum Morris’ resulting spot-kick may well go down as the most famous goal in Nomads’ history as the Welsh side regained an aggregate lead.
In the final minute of added time, Ryan Wignall’s second yellow meant both teams finished the game with 10 men.
Connah’s Quay can now look forward to a second qualifying round tie with Partizan Belgrade.
Manager Andy Morrison admitted the result was beyond his wildest dreams.
“It’s something we dreamt about,” he said. “Our preparation was based around getting to half-time nil-nil and sometimes the hand of fate is with you.
“We’ve done something magical tonight – I think that’s testament to the strength and improvement in our league and the character of my team. What they’ve done tonight is beyond belief and I’m still pinching myself at this moment in time.”
The win follows in the footsteps of The New Saints’ 3-2 aggregate victory in Kosovo against KF Feronikeli on Tuesday night in the Champions League, and completes a remarkable week for Welsh domestic football.
Welsh clubs have historically struggled to compete on the continental stage and this week’s results will provide the nation’s Uefa coefficient witha welcome boost, in addition to much-needed prize money.
Connah’s Quay first-leg tie against Partizan Belgrade will take place next Thursday’s first-leg.
