TNS Set for tough Champions League test
Domestic
18 July 2017

TNS Set for tough Champions League test

The New Saints will need to reverse a 2-0 deficit if the Welsh Premier League champions are to progress in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night when they take on HNK Rijeka at Park Hall in the 2nd qualifying round.

Scott Ruscoe's side were beaten 2-0 by the Croatian champions last week, and while Rijeka enjoyed the lions share of possession, The New Saints can take positives from the fact that striker Scott Quigley had two great chances in the second half.

An away goal could have made all the difference to the task facing the side on Tuesday, and Ruscoe will now be desperate for his defence to be at their best as they cannot afford to concede an away goal.

Josip Misic opened the scoring inside the opening few minutes of the match in Rijeka from a free-kick, and the lead was extended midway through the second half when substitute Florentin Matei added a second.

Despite the defeat it was a brave and committed performance from The New Saints, and things could have been very different if Quigley had converted at least one of his two chances late in the game. However, there were chances for Rijeka to extend their lead before the final whistle, and another difficult test is expected on Tuesday night.

“When you go a goal behind within three minutes it's very difficult to take,” explained Ruscoe after the defeat. “You expect the worst. But I know the players, I know they can stick together and they believe in what we do. It wasn't a great goal, but we had to roll our sleeves up and dig in after that. But we came back and grew into the game, and I'm proud of the lads for that.

"They could have scored a third late in the game, but I think the scoreline was a fair reflection on the game. We're still in the game. It's two goals, not four or five, so the tie isn't dead in the water. We go again, we will prepare and look at the things that did go right and didn't go right for us.”

Defender Connell Rawlinson was equally frustrated by the defeat, but was also keen to highlight the positives of the performance.

“We are disappointed, we thought we deserved a little bit more out of the game,” said Rawlinson after the match. “We had two good chances and we defended very well, so to concede the second goal was disappointing for us. I thought we put in a good performance, and in these type of games you have give 110 percent.

"I expect them to come out fast in the next game and try to get the away goal that would kill the tie off. But there's no reason why we can't be as resolute again and if we can get a goal then it's anyone's game. It will be a tough game, but it's only 2-0, and if we're still in the tie at half-time then we will have a chance.”

The New Saints suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against Europa FC of Gibraltar in the opening round, but showed their character to comeback and progress with a 3-1 victory in the return match.

If they can repeat the feat and progress on Tuesday, they will take on the winners of the tie between Hibernians of Malta and Austrian outfit Salzburg.

The Austrians lead 3-0 from the 1st leg and are now clear favourites to progress. However, the immediate focus for Ruscoe and his players will be on the challenge presented by Rijeka, and if they can make it through to the next stage then it would be a huge achievement for both the club and for the Welsh Premier League.

Kick off at Park Hall on Tuesday, 18th July is 7.00pm.