Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Callum Morris has enjoyed one of the most memorable nights of his career as his second half penalty kick sealed a 2-0 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The Nomads were trailing 2-1 from the first leg but a miraculous turnaround in the second leg saw them stun their Ladbrokes Premiership opponents on their own turf as they won 2-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
After a goalless first half, Ryan Wignall’s 50th-minute goal gave the Welsh club hope before their chances were handed a huge boost when Stuart Findlay was dismissed for the hosts after conceding a penalty kick 11 minutes from time.
Midfielder Morris, a former Wigan Athletic player who failed to make the grade at the DW Stadium, stepped up to take the spot kick and he successfully fired Connah’s Quay into the second qualifying round after his effort beat Killie keeper Jamie MacDonald.
Connah’s Quay midfielder Wignall was dismissed for a second bookable offence late on but Andy Morrison’s side held out on a night which will be remembered for former Latics player Morris’ goal.
After failing to break into the first team at Wigan Athletic in his early years as a professional, Morris tried his luck with Tranmere Rovers and Chester before moving into the Welsh game. Since joining Connah’s Quay, Morris has held the record of scoring the club’s first-ever European goal when he netted the winner against Stabaek in Baerum in 2016 and he can now add tonight’s giant-killing to his scrapbook.
