CAERNARFON Town FC enjoyed a historic night, advancing in Europe - despite a comeback scare from their opponents.

They beat Northern Irish club Crusaders on penalties to advance to the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

The Canaries had been 2-0 up from the first leg which was played at Nantporth stadium in Bangor on July 11.

And things got even better when Paulo Mendes made it 3-0 on aggregate as he struck just 24 minutes into the tie at Crusaders' Seaview ground.

The midfielder's unstoppable strike flew in past goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey to send Caernarfon into dreamland.

But, the Crues were far from out of the tie, as they were all set to stage an incredible second half fightback.

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Two goals in as many minutes from Ben Kennedy (46') and Daniel Larmour (49') had the visitors on the ropes.

Philip Lowry then equalised for the home team after a long throw-in caught Caernarfon's defence napping.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time, with a penalty shout for Crusaders also being waved away by referee Heini Ziskason.

And so penalties loomed to decide who would advance.

After seven converted spot-kicks each, both goalkeepers made saves before Marc Williams scored the eventual winner for the Canaries.

Caernarfon, playing in what was just their second European match ever, showed immense heart to keep fighting after losing a 3-0 lead. 

The club secured European football for the first time in its history back in May, by defeating Penybont FC in the Cymru Premier Play-offs final to secure their spot in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa Conference League.

In Northern Ireland, the team was backed by hundreds of fans who made the trip over from Gwynedd and beyond to be part of the 'Cofi Army'.

After the match, Caernarfon Town FC wrote: "Congratulations to everyone for their success tonight, there is no one like Cofis! Un clwb!"

Next up for the club is a two-legged tie against Legia Warsaw.

They are Polish football's most successful club and even beat Premier League side Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa Conference League last season.

RESULT

Crusaders 3-1 Caernarfon Town (3-3 on aggregate, Cfon win 8-7 on pens).

Crusaders: Tuffey, Larmour, Weir, Blaney, Barr, Lowry, Clarke, Offord, O'Rourke, Lecky, Nixon.

Subs: Kerr, Boyd, Donnelly, Forsythe, James, Kennedy, Owens, Stewart, Teelan, Vance.

Caernarfon Town: McMullan, Owen, John, Sears, Mooney, Mendes, Gosset, Hill, Thomas, Lloyd, Clarke.

Subs: Thomas, Pritchard, Downey, Evans, Faux, Jones, M Williams.