Caernarfon & Nomads win in Europe but Bala beaten

Zack Clarke celebrates after scoring Caernarfon's second against Crusaders

Caernarfon Town enjoyed a memorable European debut with a 2-0 victory over Crusaders of Northern Ireland in the Europa Conference League first qualifying round first leg.

At the same stage in the same competition, Connah's Quay Nomads also earned an impressive result - a 1-0 win away to Slovenian side NK Bravo.

But Bala, the third Welsh side in the Conference League first qualifying round, have it all to do having been beaten 2-1 at home by Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia.

First half goals secure Caernarfon win on debut

Caernarfon Town savoured their European bow thanks to an impressive victory over Crusaders.

Morgan Owen and Zack Clarke struck in the first half for Richard Davies’ side, who had 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 capacity crowd at Bangor’s Nantporth, scoring with a stunning effort from 20 yards after just four minutes.

Louis Lloyd came close to doubling the lead on 29 minutes before the Welsh side went further ahead eight minutes later.

Darren Thomas fed a lovely ball through for Clarke, who beat former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey from 10 yards.

The sides play the return 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 win in Slovenia

Ben Maher scores Connah's Quay Nomads' winner in Slovenia

Ben Maher’s late goal secured a notable 1-0 win for Connah’s Quay Nomads in their Conference League first qualifying round first leg away to NK Bravo of Slovenia.

Maher fired home with six minutes remaining for the Welsh Cup winners after an initial effort from Callum Bratley struck the crossbar.

Matej Poplatnik went closest for the hosts during the first half, heading over 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 nearly scored with 10 minutes remaining when Milan Tucic’s clearance was blocked by Franklin and the ball flew past the post, much to the home side’s relief.

But Maher’s winner three minutes later gives Nomads the advantage ahead of the second leg at Bangor’s Nantporth next Thursday.

Second half goals sink Bala

Josh Ukek pulled a goal back for Bala with a late penalty

Bala will travel to Estonia for the second leg of their tie against Paide Linnameeskond trailing 2-1 after defeat at New Saints’ Park Hall in the first leg.

There was little to separate the sides during the opening half hour but good work from Bala debutant Alex Downes created a chance for Aeron Edwards, who saw his effort blocked.

Bala captain Nathan Peate, who had gone close with a header early in the game, saw an effort smothered by keeper Ebrima Jarju

Substitute Abdoulie Ceesay put the visitors ahead on 64 minutes, firing past keeper Joel Torrance, before Predrag Medic doubled their lead 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 going into next week’s second leg.