Not the start that we wanted
We always knew that it was going to be a tough game against BK Häcken, so when Ibrahim Sadiq opened the scoring with just seven minutes on the clock, it didn’t look good.
When Mikkel Rygaard made it 2-0 six minutes later, it looked ominous.
It certainly wasn’t the start that anyone associated with the club, whether players, staff or fans, wanted.
Depth of character
One thing that you become aware of though, when you get close to the players, is that they never give up and that was the case in Sweden.
There were probably many watching on who, when we were 2-0 down after just thirteen minutes, expected the game to go from bad to worse as far as The New Saints was concerned.
There is, however, real depth of character within the squad. It’s what Craig Harrison and Chris Seargeant demand and, without doubt, it’s an area where each individual player responds accordingly.
Declan McManus, carrying on where he left off
Last season’s JD Cymru Premier golden boot, Declan McManus, scored TNS’ first competitive goal of the 2023/24 season when he headed past the ‘keeper in the 32nd minute. It was his first UEFA Champions League goal.
What a great run it was from Jordan Williams down the left, as his inch-perfect ball found the number nine.
One thing you know is that when Declan is on the pitch, you always have a great chance of getting a goal.
He almost scored a second as we approached the break. Now that would certainly have been interesting.
Down but not out
Although the one-goal deficit only lasted four minutes before the home side scored again, nevertheless with a final score of 3-1 The New Saints may be down but we are certainly not out.
Of course, it will be another tough one at Park Hall next Tuesday, but with ninety minutes of football to come we go into that game with everything still to play for and nothing to lose.
Rory Holden makes his debut
It was good to see new signing, Rory Holden, make his club debut in the 75th minute, when he replaced Jordan Williams.
With just the one new outfield signing so far this season, it’s definitely been a case of quality over quantity, as Rory showed why he has been added to the squad.
Along with others, playing himself into contention for a starting place next week means that there’s certainly lots for Craig Harrison to think about over the next few days.
Image courtesy of Phil Blagg.
