Five talking points as Nomads claim creditable first-leg draw

Connah’s Quay Nomads showed character to claim a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the first leg against Armenian champions Alashkert at Park Avenue.

The Nomads made a clinical start as Craig Curran headed home from their first dangerous attack, but Alashkert responded well with a brace from debutant playmaker David Khurtsidze seeing them gain control. 

Captain George Horan popped up with a dramatic late equaliser to leave the second leg finely poised.

The Nomads will now travel to Armenia to face Alashkert on 14 July, with, crucially, away goals having no significance.

Here are five talking points from the Nomads’ creditable first leg result.

Positive start for the Nomads

Despite early pressure from the visitors, the Nomads clinically took the lead with their first dangerous attack, with a summer recruit playing a key part.

Having signed for the Cymru Premier champions from title rivals The New Saints, Jamie Mullan was making his first appearance for the Nomads. 

The winger made a positive start for his new club, as he showed a willingness to track back and support the back three of Danny Harrison, Danny Holmes and John Disney. 

Mullan played a huge role in the Nomads’ opener, crossing excellently from the right to find Curran at the back post to head home. 

Swift reply from Alashkert

The Armenian champions responded well to the Nomads’ opener, who led for just two minutes.

Debutant David Khurtsidze, who looked a danger throughout whilst operating in a number ten role, was found in space in the box by captain Artak Grigoryan.

The Russian’s finish was clinical, as he fired a powerful effort past Oliver Byrne in the Nomads’ goal to bring the visitors level. 

After a bright and positive start from the Cymru Premier title winners, Khurtsidze’s swift equaliser was a turning point.

David Khurtsidze at the double

Having equalised, Alashkert applied sustained pressure on the Nomads with numerous attacks. 

Midfielders Grigoryan and Rumyan Hovsepyan both had chances to fire at goal, but Byrne was on-hand to make routine saves. 

Shortly before half-time, the pressure told, as the visitors took the lead. 

Khurtsidze, who was influential throughout, secured a brace with a fantastic finish into the top corner.

The playmaker’s performance turned the game in Alashkert’s favour and will certainly be a player to watch in the second leg.

Character from the Nomads

Typical of the Nomads’ performances in Europe in recent seasons, with wins over the likes of Stabaek, Helsinki and Kilmarnock, Andy Morrison’s side showed immense character.

Despite Alashkert having the most of possession in the second period, Byrne was not called into regular action, with substitute defender Thomas Moore looking very assured.

As the Nomads grew into the contest, a goalmouth scramble saw the ball drop to captain George Horan, who fired home in the area for a dramatic equaliser.

Having secured a creditable draw in the first leg at Park Avenue, the Nomads now have every chance as they travel to Armenia for the second leg next Wednesday.

Second leg finely poised

The contest at Park Avenue was an intriguing one, with two sides having contrasting styles. 

Alashkert controlled possession, but didn’t force many saves out of Nomads goalkeeper Byrne. 

Chances for the Nomads were a rarity however, but Morrison’s men were clinical when they came, forcing a creditable draw. 

The Nomads have shown they can compete away from home in Europe in recent seasons, so will head to Armenia full of confidence.