Caernarfon Town enjoyed a memorable European debut with a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland’s Crusaders in the first leg of the Europa Conference League first qualifying round.
At the same stage of the same competition, Connah’s Quay Nomads also achieved an impressive result – a 1-0 victory over Slovenian side NK Bravo.
But Bala, the third Welsh team in the first qualifying round of the Conference League, have it all together after being beaten 2-1 at home by Estonia’s Paide Linnameeskond.
First-half goals guarantee Caernarfon victory in debut
Caernarfon Town savored their European debut thanks to an impressive victory over Crusaders.
Morgan Owen and Zack Clarke scored in the first half for Richard Davies’ side, who qualified for Europe for the first time following victory over Penybont in the Cymru Premier play-off final in May.
Full-back Owen gave the Canaries a dream start in front of a packed crowd at Bangor’s Nantporth, scoring with a stunning strike from 20 yards after just four minutes.
Louis Lloyd came close to doubling the lead in the 29th minute before the Welsh side went ahead eight minutes later.
Darren Thomas played a lovely pass to Clarke who beat former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey from 10 yards.
The teams play the second leg in Belfast next Wednesday, and the winners of the tie will face Polish giants Legia Warsaw in the second qualifying round.
Maher’s late goal gives Nomads victory in Slovenia
Ben Maher’s late goal secured a remarkable 1-0 win for Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Conference League first qualifying round first leg against Slovenian side NK Bravo.
Maher scored six minutes from time for the Welsh Cup winners after Callum Bratley’s early shot hit the post.
Matej Poplatnik came closest to the hosts during the first half, heading in from close range.
Nomads’ Ben Nash saw a header from Aaron Williams’ cross go wide, while Noah Edwards and Harry Franklin also had chances late in the first half.
Neil Gibson’s side almost scored with 10 minutes left when Milan Tucic’s shot was blocked by Franklin and the ball went over the post, much to the relief of the home side.
But Maher’s winner three minutes later gives the Nomads the lead ahead of the second leg at Nantporth in Bangor next Thursday.
Second half goals sink Bala
Bala will travel to Estonia for the second leg of their tie against Paide Linnameeskond, losing 2-1 following defeat at New Saints’ Park Hall in the first leg.
There was little to separate the teams during the first half hour, but good work from Bala debutant Alex Downes created an opportunity for Aeron Edwards, who saw his shot blocked.
Bala captain Nathan Peate, who came close to a header early in the game, saw a shot blocked by goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju.
Substitute Abdoulie Ceesay put the visitors ahead in the 64th minute, firing past goalkeeper Joel Torrance before Predrag Medic doubled the advantage in stoppage time.
But Josh Ukek’s stoppage-time penalty after Daniel Luts’ foul on Uniss Karbo gives Colin Caton’s side a glimmer of hope for next week’s second leg.
