Connah's Quay give solid display in Conference League draw

Connah's Quay Nomads played out a hard-fought goalless draw against FC Ballkani of Kosovo in the Uefa Conference League first qualifying round first leg.

Nomads, last season's Cymru Premier runners-up, were well-drilled and disciplined against a club who have twice played in the league stages of the competition.

John Disney, taking charge of his first game as manager in Europe, will have been pleased with his young side's display.

The teams meet in the second leg on Thursday, 16 July with the winners facing Republic of Ireland's Bohemians or St Joseph's of Malta in the next round.

• Welsh clubs ready for Conference League ties

Both teams were evenly matched on a hot evening in Colwyn Bay.

An awkward bounce nearly caught out Nomads goalkeeper Chris Renshaw early on but he managed to push the ball over the crossbar.

Valentin Serebe went through on goal but Connah's Quay captain James Jones' well-timed tackle denied the Ivorian forward and the danger was cleared.

Nomads advanced swiftly upfield and Michael Stone went close with a header from Max Woodock's cross.

Harry Franklin had a chance five minutes after the break but could only head straight at keeper Adnan Golubovic from a corner.

Golubovic also denied Nomads debutant Joseph Ferguson and the home side looked the better side in the second half.

Ballkani came close to a stoppage-time winner, which would have been harsh on Nomads, but fortunately for the Welsh side Anel Sabanadzovic fired wide.