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Flintshire pays tribute to Nomads’ Europa Cup exploits

Published: 31/08/2016

In November 2015, gap Connah’s Quay Nomads were sitting bottom of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League with relegation looking a very realistic possibility. At this point, the Club appointed former Manchester City captain Andy Morrison as the First Team Manager and saw a remarkable change in fortunes. The Club quickly elevated themselves, climbing the table following a string of good results before beating the previously unbeaten TNS to secure a place in the Top Six for the second half of the season. The Nomads went on to finish fourth in the league, their highest ever finish, and enter the play-offs for the UEFA Europa League, where victories over Carmarthen Town and local rivals Airbus secured the Club’s first ever European adventure. The Nomads were drawn against full time opposition in Norwegian side, Stabaek and in late June held the Tippeligaen side to a 0-0 draw at Rhyl in the first leg. A week later, the Club saw the biggest result in its 70 year history when a 15th minute strike from Callum Morris gave The Nomads an historic 1-0 victory in Fredrikstad, Norway. The result marked the first time that a Welsh side had not conceded goals across two legs of a European tie in over 200 matches. As a result, The Nomads went on to face Serbian side, FK Vojvodina – a tough task considering they had beaten Italian Serie A side Sampdoria 6-0 over two legs in the previous season. The Nomads battled manfully in Serbia and only lost 1-0 to a late deflected goal. The Serbians were too much for The Nomads to handle over the two legs, with The Nomads eventually going down 3-1 on aggregate, but the result and performance over the four games marked the greatest achievement in the history of Connah’s Quay Nomads. Chairman of the Council, Councillor Peter Curtis said: “On behalf of Flintshire County Council, I would like to congratulate gap Connah’s Quay Nomads on their fantastic achievement. Over both matches they were a fine advert for the Dafabet Welsh Premier League and did both Flintshire and Wales proud. “Following the recent success of the Welsh national team at the Euro 2016 tournament, gap Connah’s Quay Nomads’ achievement reflects the success of the development of grass roots football in Wales and long may it continue.” PHOTO CAPTION: Richard Jones (Life President), Councillor Peter Curtis (Chairman Flintshire County Council), Andy Morrison (First Team Manager)