Connah's Quay Nomads are ready to continue operation 'fortress Belle Vue' as Shakhtyor Soligorsk pay a visit.

Nomads entertain the Belarusian outfit in tomorrow night's Europa League first qualifying round clash before the reverse fixture in eight days time.

Despite Nomads being forced to head to Rhyl for the tie, the Flintshire outfit will evoke memories of recent successes in their quest to keep the clash alive heading to Soligorsk next week.

Andy Morrison's men drew 0-0 with Stabaek at Belle Vue two years ago, the venue also playing host to Nomads' Welsh Cup semi-final mauling of Bangor City, who were thrashed 6-1 in April.

Add to that the fact that Nomads have taken 10 points from a possible 12 against Rhyl at Belle Vue in the last three seasons and there is every reason for Morrison's men to be confident.

Player/coach Danny Harrison said: "The manager has spoken about our record in Rhyl. It's not our home, but we've got positive memories of playing there which we can use to our advantage.

"Every player has grounds that they don't like because results haven't gone well and every player has grounds they like because of good results and Rhyl is a good ground for us.

"I've played at some decent venues, but I like Rhyl. It's an old school football ground."

Nomads aren't known for taking a backward step against any opponent and after Morrison passed on what he knows about Shakhtyor Soligorsk, confidence is high that they can progress to the second qualifying round.

"We've gone over some tactics and bits on them," said Harrison. "The manager is meticulous and leaves no stone unturned in the preparation side of things.

"We know what they do. They are obviously a good footballing side, but they are stubborn in defence and they are a side that likes to stay nice and compact.

"I think they might turn up here and try to get back home without getting beaten. It should be an interesting game.

"We want to be in a position come the end of the first leg tomorrow where we are still in the tie, whether that means a 0-0 draw or us winning like we did against Helsinki last year."

Nathan Woolfe scored the only goal of the game 12 months ago as Nomads defeated HJK Helsinki in Bangor before losing the reverse fixture 3-0 to exit the competition.

That came a year after Nomads beat Stabaek over two legs in their maiden European adventure to progress in the competition, eventually losing to Vojvodina.

Harrison believes Nomads have not got the credit they deserve for their Europa League exploits to date, especially last season's 1-0 home win over Helsinki, who have qualified for this year's Champions League.

"The manager has been quite vocal in his belief that we don't get the credit we deserve at times," said Harrison. "I agree with that having been on the inside.

"Some of the European ties we've played and the results we've achieved have been unbelievable, but sometimes you feel like they've been swept under the carpet a little.

"Hopefully we can get another positive result this year and progress again. We believe that we can."