Alashkert 1-0 (3-2 ) Connah’s Quay: Nomads bravely bow out of Champions League

Connah’s Quay courageously bowed out of the Champions League after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Alashkert after extra-time.

Vincent Bezecourt scored in the 112th minute of play after neither side could break the tie of a 2-2 draw from the first leg.

The Nomads were without seven players, including club captain George Horan and veteran forward Mike Wilde. 

Despite the absentees, Andy Morrison’s side battled well with with a side that boasts a number of Armenian internationals.

The visit to Armenia was the biggest dance  tie over two legs, eclipsing mccabi Haifa’s trip to Kairat Almaty. 

They now drop into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League where they will play Pristinha.

Just under fifteen minutes in, Connah’s Quay’s best chance came from a set-piece. Jamie Mullan lifted a corner kick into the box but it was headed over the bar by Tom Moore.

The Nomads, who were made to defend a lot in the first leg, had a fearlessness about them in their attack.

Craig Curran found Jamie Insall with a pulled-back pass but Insall’s slight touch was agonisingly the other side of the post. 

Despite their near chances, they still had to be wary of the threat of David Davidyan. The Russian midfielder curled a shot just over Byrne’s goal.

Before half-time, the Nomads had a good opportunity from a free kick outside the box. Declan Poole’s attempt was blocked however and Alashkert dealt with the pressure.

Eager to close out the first half, Alashkert challenged Oliver Byrne in the goal as José Embaló, a handful in the first leg, hit a scissor-kicked effort at the goalkeeper. 

The biggest warning sign for the away side was when James Santos hit a header onto the post in a manic few minutes for the Deeside club to deal with. 

After the interval, Alashkert came out with all the attacking intent. David Khurtsidze, who scored two goals at Park Avenue, forced Byrne to palm away a shot. 

A rare chance presented itself to the Nomads as Mullan forced David Yurchenko to punch away his curled effort.

Jordan Davies, making his first start for the Nomads then had a glorious chance in a one-on-one after a mistake in the backline but Yurchenko blocked his shot.

A double save then came at Byrne with Sargis Hovsepan forcing the Nomads shot-stopper into action. 

Connah’s Quay continued to weather the storm as Artak Yedigaryan’s low shot was palmed away in a dominant spell for the Armenian champions.

With eight minutes until penalties, Connah’s Quay’s goal was eventually breached. Vincent Bezecourt was introduced and his effort slid under Byrne.

Nomads were unable to mount a fightback and now bow out of Europe’s top competition.

(Featured Image: Nikitas Mesney)