Cup holders Nomads face Belarusians in Europa qualifiers

JD WELSH Cup holders Connah’s Quay Nomads have been paired with Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

It will be the Nomads’ third European adventure with Andy Morrison’s side having enjoyed some memorable nights over the past two seasons.

They knocked out Norwegian outfit Stabaek two years ago, while 12 months ago pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Finnish side HJK Helsinki in the home leg before bowing out 3-1 on aggregate.

Opponents Shakhtyor have competed in the Europa League qualifiers in each of the past seven years and reached the play-off round in 2014 where they were defeated over two legs by Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

The ties will be played on July 12 and 19 with the home leg – to be played at Rhyl – first.

Meanwhile, Bala Town and Cefn Druids now know who they will face in the first qualifying round should they win their respective preliminary round ties. A trip to Slovenia to meet NK Rudar Velenje is the reward on offer for Bala should they get past SP Tre Fiori of San Marino, while the Druids will be off to Kazakhstan to face FC Irtysh Pavlodar providing they see off Lithuanian side FK Trakai.

■ NEWPORT County have secured the signing of striker Jamille Matt after the 28-year-old was released by Blackpool.

Matt has signed a two-year deal with the Exiles, subject to international clearance.

Boss Mike Flynn said: “Jamille will be vital for us. He’s come from a higher league and is always a handful to play against. I’m looking forward to working with him.”