LIVE FOOTBALL: Caernarfon Town v Crusaders | Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round

LIVE FOOTBALL
Caernarfon Town v Crusaders (Northern Ireland) | Thursday, 11 July - 18:30 (Live on S4C)
(Nantporth, Bangor - First Leg of Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round 2024/25)
Caernarfon Town have reached Europe for the first time in their history after finishing fifth in the 2023/24 season and going on to win the play-offs.
It will be a historic night for the Cofis who have been so close to Europe in the past, losing 5-3 against Newtown in the 2020/21 play-off final, before winning the play-offs in 2021/22, which happened to be the only season to date where the winners didn’t qualify for Europe due to Wales’ low coefficient.
There was a mixed reaction when the club announced that they would be playing their home tie at Nantporth, which is the current home of rivals Bangor 1876, but with all the tickets sold out in no time, it seems that the decision has been justified.
It will be difficult for Caernarfon Town manager Richard Davies to replace the departing Sion Bradley, who was named the best player in the league last season, but Davies has managed to attract several experienced names to the squad, including Matty Jones and Ryan Sears from Newtown, and Paulo Mendes from Bala Town.
As for the opponents, Crusaders have plenty of European experience having played 54 matches in Europe since their first appearance in 1967, winning nine of those (17% win).
The Belfast based club have faced big names all over Europe, including Valencia, Liverpool, Fulham, Wolves and Newport!
The Crues have had some European success recently, winning their Europa Conference League first qualifying round in the last two seasons, beating Bruno's Magpies (Gibraltar) and Haka (Finland).
Crusaders finished fourth in the 2023/24 NIFL, and like Caernarfon Town the club had to win the play-offs to claim their place in Europe.
The second leg will be played at Seaview, Belfast on Wednesday night, 17 July with the winners advancing to face Legia Warszawa (Poland) in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

[@Mlaargaar]

Excellent stuff Caenarfon Town! Solid debut from the 19 year old keeper as well.

[@MaximumJoy]

Great coverage, thanks

[@igorniewiadomski8073]

Caernarfon finally won after penalty kicks - so the next game will be against Legia in Warsaw! Best regards from Poland!

[@peterlensic7053]

Commentary for first goal is very Partridge

[@thomasharrison72]

Why are they playing at Bangor ?