RHYL FC hosted a thrilling Europa League qualifying match between Connah’s Quay Nomads and Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.

Thousands of Killie fans descended on the region for the contest on Thursday, July 11, which proved to be a massive boost for retail outlets and pubs within the town.

A bumper crowd of 1,410 packed out the Educate Group Stadium for the clash, which saw the Nomads take a surprise lead on 75 minutes when recent Scottish international Greg Taylor diverted a Callum Roberts delivery into his own net.

Their hopes of a surprise triumph were dashed late on in heart-breaking fashion, with Eamonn Brophy levelling from the spot and Stuart Findlay producing a stoppage time winner with virtually the final action of a pulsating first leg clash.

Nomads’ manager Andy Morrison, said: "We had to be brave and we were brave but right at the death, when we could have made better decisions with our clearances and showed some composure.

"I've got to try and pick the lads up and try and pick myself up, because it's devastating, with the last kick of the game, to lose.

"For the club and the league, to come away with a 1-1 would have been fantastic but it wasn't to be."

The FAW Tier 2 North League side received significant praise for their hosting of such a high-profile contest, which is the latest big attraction to the UEFA Licenced ground.