Victory from jaws of disaster in Italian’s dugout debut

behind the ball. We had two really good chances but you have to say their goalkeeper made two very big important saves for them.

“In the last 15 minutes their performance went down – and ours went up.”

Alessio also savoured the moment and dedicated the victory to the 802 travelling band of Kilmarnock fans who chanted his name at the end.

But he warned it was far from over and only half-time ahead of Thursday’s second leg at Rugby Park.

He said: “I am happy and feel humbled because Kilmarnock fans sang my name.

“They deserve this result for the support they gave the team. My players did well but now we must to continue to prepare for next week. This is only half-time and there is one more match to play.”

Gutted Connah’s Quay boss Andy Morrison admitted his side were punished for small mistakes near the end.

He said: “It is devastating as I need to pick the lads and myself up from this and it is a hard one to take

“Kilmarnock ran out of ideas at the end and it was a crazy moment of madness and decision by one of my players that has given them a lifeline back into the match.

“We went toe to toe with a Premiership team that has a budget 25 times ours. The game plan was working to a treat and it is small details that has done for us.

“My keeper pulled off one save and has picked the ball out of the net twice. We have not conceded a goal from a corner kick in three-and-a-half years and we concede in the 93rd minute. The defeat gives us a mountain to climb.”