CONNAH’S QUAY 1 FC SHAKHTYOR 3

Callum Morris’ late penalty gave Connah’s Quay a faint glimmer of hope last night, as they look to keep alive their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie.

The Nomads midfielder converted from 12 yards in the 88th minute to soften the scoreline as their first leg tie with Belarusian side FC Shakhtyor finished 3-1 to the visitors.

Looking to improve what has a miserable return of results from Welsh clubs in Europe this summer, Connah’s Quay acquitted themselves well in the opening stages.

After goalkeeper John Danby had to pull off a fine save to deny Elis Bakaj’s near-spectacular long range attempt for Shakhtyor, the Nomads were inches away from taking the lead themselves when Andy Owens’ header grazed the crossbar.

The missed opportunity would prove costly as FC Shakhtyor broke the deadlock moments later, with Max Ebong finishing from six yards to give the Belarusians the lead midway through the first half.

On 34 minutes, Elis Bakaj doubled that lead for the visiting side when he unleashed his rebounded free-kick back towards goal at second attempt.

Despite a bright start to the second half, Connah’s Quay fell further behind when Mikhail Shibun fired in a lowly driven free-kick with 15 minutes remaining.

Morris’ consolation spot kick two minutes from time reduced the deficit but leaves the Nomads facing an uphill battle to keep the tie alive in next week’s away leg.

Connah’s Quay John Danby, Danny Holmes, John Disney, George Horan, Laurence Wilson, Jay Owens (Noah Edwards 80), Michael Parker (Declan Poole 66), Ryan Wignall (Nathan Woolfe 86), Callum Morris, Andy Owens, Michael Bakare