Champions League football returns to Park Hall

After a couple of seasons where The New Saints finished in second place in the JD Cymru Premier, it was good to be back at the top table again, as far as European competition is concerned.

The atmosphere was great, the game was sold out and the support was very much appreciated.

Plus, we won, so that was most definitely the icing on the cake.

 

Ryan Brobbel

The deadlock was broken in the 57th minute, with Ryan Brobbel showing his experience by passing one defender before calmly slotting the ball through the legs of another, to the left of the ‘keeper and into the back of the net.

The goal proved to be the only one of the game and all that separated the sides come the final whistle.

It’s not just the strike though that earns Brobbel a place in the five talking points but his overall contribution to the cause.

 

Connor Roberts

Following the retirement of Paul Harrison, although the goalkeeper’s shirt was up for grabs as far as the starting XI was concerned, there was no doubt about it, it was going to be a tough ask for whoever followed.

After enjoying an impressive personal pre-season campaign, Connor Roberts certainly earned the right to be in from the off against Linfield.

The faith in him that was shown by the management team was certainly rewarded, as he put in an excellent performance.

There were a number of saves that stood out, not least the one-on-one with Robbie McDaid in the second-half.

It was no surprise that, come the final whistle, we interviewed Connor as the club media player choice.

 

Clean sheet

One of the questions that we often put to Anthony Limbrick in interviews last season referred to clean sheets.

With 26 goals against in 32 games, not that it was exactly doom, gloom and despondency though.

The team conceded in all five of the pre-season friendlies played in June.

However, last night when it really mattered, the opposition was kept out.

 

Still only half-time

If it was a league game, it would have ended with three points on the board for The New Saints.

However, although it’s good to have our nose in front, nevertheless it’s very much a delicately balanced tie.

There’s still everything to play for, as we take on Linfield again next week at Windsor Park.

 

Lead image courtesy of Brian Jones.