EVERYONE loves backing the underdog in sport and Connah’s Quay Nomads boss Neil Gibson has experienced that more than most in the past 10 days.
The Nomads manager masterminded a shock 1-0 win at Slovenian side NK Bravo in last week’s first round qualifier first leg in Ljubljana.
“It was a great performance,” said Gibson. “We went to a full time team and I think were 16/1 or 20/1 so that’s the level of the underdog status that we came into the game at.
“The players were absolutely fantastic in taking into account the gameplan we set up.”
Just days earlier and taking a rare break from the preparation for Nomads’ European campaign, Gibson witnessed another sporting surprise - Lewis Hamilton winning the British Grand Prix and again at odds of 16/1.
“I was at Silverstone on the Sunday,” said Gibson. “I’m not the biggest fan of Formula One but my partner loves it and, I’ve got to say, I enjoyed the occasion.”
Nomads’ display days later was just as slick but winning the first leg has put added pressure on his side to make the most of home advantage this evening.
“Being 1-0 up, many will see us at the favourites to go through but we know it will be another tough game,” added Gibson, who gave debuts to keeper George Ratcliffe and former New Saints skipper Chris Marriott in Bravo.
Another summer arrival, Ben Maher, came off the bench to bag the winner.
“There were so many pleasing factors from the trip to Bravo but it is only half time,” said Gibson.
“We’ve looked at the game this week, trained hard and we’ll give it our best in Bangor and try and get into the second round.
Bravo trained in Bangor last night after arriving from Slovenia and head coach Aleš Arnol promises his side will give it their all tonight.
“We are going to Wales with high spirit and with the desire to play our football throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Speaking after last week’s first leg defeat, Arnol added: “We started according to plan. We played fast, kept a high rhythm of the game, in possession we were directed forward and also created a good number of chances.
“ A goal would certainly have relaxed the players and the match would have turned in a completely different direction.
“However, we didn’t make good chances scored and the nervousness increased. In the second half we were too impatient, we were looking for the last pass too quickly.
“For a young team that is in a European competition for the first time, nervousness is, of course, a completely normal thing.
“I think that we can now also look for an advantage in this, that this fear and respect for the opponent and the competition itself will no longer exist.”
Colin Caton’s Bala Town are in Estonia to play Paide Linnameeskond, trailing 2-1 from the first leg.
Louis Robles would love to progress and he told the Cymru Leagues website: “It would mean everything to us to get into the next round. It’s no secret what impact it would make financially on the club.
“But more than anything, if we as a team can win a round in Europe, that can do wonders for confidence and morale heading into the league campaign. To say we’ve won a round in Europe would be amazing, and it’s something the lads are relishing to do.”
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