How Have Nomads Changed The Narrative Ahead Of The Second Leg?

???????
Connah’s Quay Nomads went into the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round tie against FC Ballkani as a side determined to prove they belonged on the European stage.

Following an assured and disciplined performance against FC Ballkani in the goalless first leg, John Disney’s Nomads have done just that. 

Our impressive return to European football saw us create better opportunities, showcase the quality in our youthful new-look squad and also restrict Ballkani to zero shots on target, meaning the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Prishtina on Thursday, 16 July (7:00pm BST). 

Many viewed Ballkani as favourites to win the first leg as they arrived at Llanellian Road with a full-time professional squad valued at around £7 million, experience of competing in the UEFA Conference League group stage and a number of established internationals amongst their ranks. 

Ballkani’s reputation was clear, but the Nomads matched their European opponents from the first whistle and for many parts of the game, looked the more likely side to break the deadlock. 

A goal-saving tackle from our captain James Jones on Ivorian forward Valentin Serebe coupled with a Player of the Match performance from debutant left-back Shane Flynn meant Ballkani’s attacking threats were contained throughout the evening. 

At the other end, the Nomads created several promising openings, which saw Mikey Stone’s header cleared off the line and Ballkani goalkeeper Adnan Golubovic make several saves. 

Our performance was made all the more impressive given the expectations surrounding the match before kick-off. Ballkani were priced as short as ?  with some bookmakers to progress, while the Nomads were available at odds of up to 8/1 to earn victory in the first leg. 

Those predictions were based on reputation, recent European pedigree and financial resources. After last Wednesday’s goalless draw, however, those factors count for little. 

The phrase ”Y Sí Sí?” (“What if?”) captured the imagination of Mexican supporters, who were dreaming of an upset in their FIFA World Cup last-16 tie with England. 

With our contest against Ballkani still finely poised, that same question now hangs over this UEFA Conference League tie…What if the Nomads can go to Kosovo and finish the job?

We will travel to Kosovo with hopes of winning our first European tie since 2019, where we famously defeated Kilmarnock 2-0 in one of the club’s greatest ever accomplishments. 

Organisation, togetherness and quality allowed us to compete with one of Kosovo’s strongest and wealthiest clubs. 

With John Disney and his coaching staff setting the group up for another detailed week of preparation, attention now turns towards ensuring our performance at Llanellian Road becomes the platform for another positive display in Prishtina. 

We will be making ourselves, the Novira Cymru Premier and Wales proud when we step out onto the pitch at Fadil Vokrri Stadium on Thursday. 

Ultimately, the narrative has changed because the question is no longer whether the Nomads can ‘just compete’, it is now whether we can build on the first leg and head to Kosovo with one aim in mind - qualify for the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round. 

Date Published: Sunday, 12th July, 2026 - 3:50pm by Adam Angerer