CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS are plotting the downfall of Partizan Belgrade - but Kilmarnock captain Gary Dicker can’t move on from his side’s shock defeat.

Andy Morrison’s Nomads pulled off what is widely considered the Welsh Premier League’s greatest ever European result as they won 2-0 at Rugby Park to overturn a 2-1 home defeat and win 3-2 on aggregate.

While Nomads have been able to bask in the glory and look forward to a second qualifying round tie with Partizan, the pressure has been building on Kilmarnock and new boss Angelo Alessio.

Killie captain Dicker has described following up a record-breaking 2018/19 Scottish Premiership campaign with the club’s most high-profile defeat as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”.

And Dicker claims the result, in the first European game at Rugby Park for 18 years, has to be the worst in the club’s 150-year history.

“It’s got to be,” said the midfielder. “We have got to take the blame for it. We got the plaudits last year, record-breakers, but we are breaking the wrong records this year.

“It’s just not good enough. As players it’s embarrassing. The fans have waited that long to get here and we dish up that. I’m gutted for them more than anyone. They have been through enough over the years.

“We have worked that hard, and then to dish that up, it’s embarrassing, a disgrace, whatever you want to call it.”

The Irishman felt they failed to apply the basics against Morrison’s Nomads.

“I don’t think complacency is the word,” the 32-year-old said. “It was just not doing what we are good at, what got us here - hard work and graft and helping each other out. The minute we think we are better than that, we are in trouble.

“We’re getting used to playing a different way but we have still got to manage the game as players. We will take full responsibility for it. I will, I’m sure the rest of the lads will.

“I’m not going to sugar-coat it or say it’s early on, it’s just not good enough as a group and a club. We embarrassed ourselves and our fans to be honest with you. It’s hard to take.

“We are going to get hammered for probably the worst performance in the club’s history - and we deserve to get hammered for it.”

As Kilmarnock were coming to terms with their sorry defeat, Nomads were earning praise from far and wide.

Wales assistant boss Osian Roberts lavished Nomads with praise following their memorable win, tweeting: “What a great night it was for @the_nomads & @AndyMorri5on @WPL_Official & Welsh football. It’s created waves all over @UEFA & Europe & rightly so!”

Former Manchester City and England winger Trevor Sinclair praised Nomads, but also stuck the boot into Kilmarnock.

He wrote: “Kilmarnock’s loss being the 3rd best team in Scotland is damaging to Scottish football! All pre season to prepare and still get beat over 2 legs!! Huge congrats to @the_nomads.”

Tickets for Nomads’ home tie with Partizan on Thursday at Belle Vue can be purchased tonight from the Quay 3G between 6-8pm. It’s £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 under 16s. There will also be a pay on the gate option.