Football is a funny old game.

Connah's Quay Nomads' duo Callum Morris and Jay Owen insist that Shakhtyor Soligorsk have not yet qualified for the Europa League despite holding a 3-1 first-leg advantage from the clash at Rhyl's Belle Vue.

Nomads need to scored three times without reply tomorrow night to secure their place in the second qualifying round against either Lech Poznan or Gandzasar Kapan, but the duo are confident.

Morris, who converted a late penalty to give Nomads a foothold in the tie, said: "We are still in the tie. If we can get the first goal then you never know what can happen.

"We will go into the game positive, the gaffer will set us up right and we will have a right good go at them.

"I think we deserved the goal, it would have been a travesty if we hadn't got at least one.

"We pushed on in the second-half, we had them penned in, so we deserved a goal."

That message was followed up by fellow midfielder Owen, who was encouraged by a number of half-chances created by Andy Morrison's men last week.

"I think we take a lot of good things into the second-leg," said Owen. "We created a lot of chances and we stopped them creating too much.

"They've had four shots on target and scored three goals, but that is clinical and that is the difference. We've had five or six shots and scored once.

"Things could change in the second-leg. If we get an early goal, you never know.

"We are still in it, especially if we get an early goal.

"Football is a funny old game and anything can happen.

"They were a very physical and organised team. We played Helsinki last year and they tore us to pieces, especially away from home, but Soligorsk didn't open us up."

Free-kicks from Elis Bakaj and Mikhail Shibun proved tough take for Nomads, who had fallen behind after a solo effort from Max Ebong.

Morris said: "I think it was harsh overall. I thought we played well and the gaffer set us up well, but they've scored two free-kicks and a sloppy first goal.

"We were disappointed but there is another leg and we still think we can turn it around.

"The gaffer said after the game that they've had four shots on target and scored three goals.

"They scored two free-kicks and when that happens you know it's not your day."

Morris is now Nomads' highest European scorer with two goals after his penalty, which the 25-year-old had mixed emotions about.

"I didn't feel too good to be honest after scoring it because we were losing 3-0," he added.

"But I will take scoring the penalty as it sets us up for this leg, which I'm happy about."