NEIL GIBSON is proud that his Connah’s Quay Nomads side are playing their part in putting Welsh football on the map.
Last week’s results in European cup competitions for Cymru Premier League sides were the most encouraging ever with Nomads sealing a memorable 1-0 win in Slovenia against NK Bravo.
Also in the Europa Conference, Caernarfon Town beat Crusaders 2-0, Bala Town are still in with a shout going into tonight’s second leg 2-1 down to Paide while The New Saints made it through to the second qualifying round of the Champions League after beating Decic 4-1 on aggregate.
Former Wrexham and Chester striker Marc Williams kept his nerve to score Caernarfon Town’s winning penalty in a dramatic shoot-out victory against Crusaders in Belfast.
Paulo Mendes’s first half goal put Caernarfon 3-0 up on aggregate but the hosts fought back to take the tie the full distance.
Both goalkeepers made good saves in the shoot-out before Williams slotted home the 15th penalty.
Caernarfon will now face Legia Warsaw in the second round with the away leg in Poland next Thursday.
“We had a great result but so did Caernarfon and TNS while that late goal means Bala still have a chance,” said Gibson, whose side face Bravo in tonight’s second leg at Bangor’s Nantporth Stadium.
“We all want to improve the standards of Welsh football and last week’s results have shown that people should respect the Cymru Premier League.
“I know TNS are our main rivals but their performances in the Champions League doesn’t do any harm for putting Welsh football out there.”
Gibson reported a clean bill of health for his Nomads side ahead of tonight’s key clash which is being screened live on Sgorio’s social media platforms.
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