The first competitive game of the 2023/24 season last Wednesday, saw The New Saints travel to Scandinavia, where we lost 3-1 to the champions of Sweden, BK Häcken.

The TNS goal was scored by Declan McManus, which was his first strike in the UEFA Champions League. It was only the second goal that we have scored against Swedish opposition – albeit having played just two previous ties – with Mike Wilde finding the net way back in 2004.

It was always going to be a tough one in Gothenburg but the two-goal deficit means that although The New Saints is down, we are not out.

The first qualifying round one, second leg game is this Tuesday (July 18) at Park Hall with a 7.00 p.m. kick-off time.

BK Häcken were in action last Saturday in the Allsvenskan (Swedish top-flight league) when they hosted IF Brommapojkarna at Bravida Arena.

Enjoying a 2-0 lead, Häcken were pulled back to 2-2 before finding the net twice in added time at the end of the game.

The win moved them into second spot in the table, just one point behind IF Elfsborg, although having played one game more than the leaders. Malmö FF are in third but with games in hand, which if won would put them in the driving seat.

To purchase tickets for the game at Park Hall, click the link at the head of our website home page. There will be programmes on sale.

If you’re not at the game in person, you can follow the action live on S4C.