Not the start that we wanted

With Champions League exit behind us, there was a second bite of the European cherry with Swift Hesperange the visitors to Park Hall in the Europa Conference League.

However, when Simao Martins converted from close range in the 14th minute that was not in the TNS script.

Sometimes it works against you and other times for, but since the away goals rule changed it’s not the body blow that it so often used to be.

What counts is how you respond.

 

We never gave up

We left it late but we did get the equalising goal, which meant that the game ended 1-1.

Between the 14th and the 74th minute, the hour of football played could have produced numerous goals for both sides.

As far as The New Saints is concerned though, we never gave up, kept believing and were rewarded when the ball finally crossed the Swift Hesperange line and into the back of the net.

 

On his full debut, a European goal

Signed by the club ahead of the European campaign, Rory Holden has already featured in competitive fixtures but this was the first one that he was in from the off.

With The New Saints chasing the game, a tremendous strike from distance beat the ‘keeper and we were level.

What a way to score the first goal for your new club.

Having played in the English system for Walsall and Port Vale prior to signing for TNS, in just a couple of weeks Rory has now added Champions League appearances, a Europa Conference League start and a goal to his c.v.

You never know what’s around life’s corner, do you?

 

Roberts to the rescue

We used that headline in the article following the game in Sweden against BK Häcken, when Connor Roberts pulled off a series of superb saves.

This time round he was again in the spotlight.

With The New Saints trailing 1-0, the champions of Luxembourg were awarded a penalty.

Diving to his right, Connor pushed the ball away and denied the visitors the opportunity to create a comfortable cushion.

The goalkeeper was given the coveted man of the match award by sponsors, Henstone Distillery.

 

Seeing red

Seeing red, or as the case was, yellow instead.

When Declan McManus turned on the halfway line, he had just the ‘keeper in front of him.

However, he was wrestled to the ground by the marking defender and the referee immediately went to his pocket.

Instead of a red, that perhaps many in the ground were expecting, a yellow was produced.

Should it have been a dismissal? Watch the Sgorio highlights and make up your own mind.

 

Lead image courtesy of Phil Blagg.