GAP Connah S Quay FC vs Ballkani

The opening 45 minutes were a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances. Ballkani striker Valentin Serebe was booked inside the first 20 minutes for a foul, and Connah's Quay's Callum West followed him into the referee's notebook before half-time as both sides cancelled each other out. The score remained 0-0 at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Ballkani made a double change on 65 minutes, introducing Giovanni and Ardit Deliu, but the Nomads' defence — marshalled by captain James Jones — held firm. Connah's Quay boss John Disney responded with his own substitutions on 73 minutes, sending on Frankie Deane and Darren Stephenson for West and Max Woodcock.

James Jones was booked for a foul on 77 minutes, and Iwan Murray followed him into the book on 84 minutes. Ballkani's Deliu received a yellow card deep into stoppage time (90'+2), but neither side could find a breakthrough across the six minutes of added time.

There was no single moment that swung the match — and that was the story. Both defences stayed organised and disciplined throughout, denying the opposition any clear sight of goal. The lack of a cutting edge in the final third meant the tie will be decided in the second leg.

Chris Renshaw (Connah's Quay) — The Nomads goalkeeper was untroubled for long spells but dealt with everything Ballkani aimed his way, keeping a clean sheet that gives his side a solid foundation for the second leg.

James Jones (Connah's Quay) — The captain led by example at the heart of the defence, organising the back line and making timely interventions. His yellow card was a tactical foul rather than a defensive lapse.

Adnan Golubović (Ballkani) — Like his counterpart, the Ballkani goalkeeper was rarely forced into a difficult save but did what was required to preserve his side's clean sheet.

Player of the match: James Jones (Connah's Quay)

The goalless draw was a reflection of two sides feeling each other out in the first competitive meeting of the season. Connah's Quay, playing their first European tie at home, showed defensive organisation but lacked the final pass in the attacking third. Ballkani, the more experienced side in European competition, will be the happier of the two teams to take a clean sheet on the road back to Kosovo.

This first qualifying round tie remains wide open. The second leg will take place on 16 July 2026 at Ballkani's home ground, with the winners advancing to face either Zira or Torpedo Kutaisi in the second qualifying round. Connah's Quay will need to score away from home to progress, while Ballkani will feel confident of finding the net in front of their own fans.

A tense, tactical stalemate that suited the visitors more than the hosts. Connah's Quay kept their discipline and structure but will need to offer more in attack in the second leg if they are to extend their European campaign beyond the first round. Ballkani, with home advantage, start as slight favourites to progress.