Nomads Europa League adventure starts on Thursday when they play host to HJK Helsinki

Connah’s Quay Nomads are all set for their second adventure in the  UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The Nomads will play host, all be it at the Bangor University Stadium to Finnish outfit HJK Helsinki in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

”Jokaikinen elää ja odottaa näitä” https://t.co/xLrLa0rGms#Respect #HJK #UEL #UELfi #Veikkausliiga @the_nomads pic.twitter.com/LejczNpFs9

— HJK Helsinki (@hjkhelsinki) 27 June 2017

Boasting the best defensive record in the Welsh Premier League last season, the Nomads second place finish assured them a Europa League spot for this season.

HJK come into the game in the middle of their league campaign and currently sit atop the Veikkausliiga and this season sees them compete in European competition for the eleventh consecutive season.

The Finns are also no stranger to Welsh opposition, they faced Bangor City in the 2011-12 Champions’ League campaign, defeating the Citizens 13-0 on aggregate.

Nomads boss Andy Morrison travelled to Finland last Thursday to watch HJK win their fifth game on the bounce with a 2-0 victory over IFK Mariehamn.

Former Manchester City defender Morrison was impressed with what he saw;

Whoever you meet in Europe, you know you are in for a real challenge.  Helsinki were one of the clubs we would have hoped to avoid – they are the strongest team in Finland, they have a number of excellent players, they are flying in their domestic league and also have a rich history in European football.

It will be a real challenge but a challenge we can’t wait for.  After watching Helsinki at close quarters in their last home game, and our experiences last year will ensure that we are in for no surprises and the kind of quality and problems we can expect.

I know my players will embrace the occasion and use the platform to show they can compete with a top European team.  We will show the utmost respect for Helsinki, but I will remind the players, at Connah’s Quay, we fear nothing and nobody!

The match kicks off at 7pm at Bangor University Stadium with admission prices £10 for general admission and £5 for concessions.

The Nomads are also providing a free coach to the match, leaving The Halfway House – for more information on this, or to book your place, please email will.catterall@the-nomads.co.uk

Finally, the game will also be streamed live on www.laola1.tv