New Saints taste first leg defeat at the hands of Hacken

TNS paid the price for a nightmare start in Sweden but just remain in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

The Swedish champions raced ahead with Sadiq netting at the second attempt after his initial effort was blocked by Danny Davies to volley hom from a tight angle.

Filip Trpcevski’s low shot was saved by Roberts as TNS continued to be picked apart at the back.

Action from TNS' clash at BK Hacken. Picture by Phil Blagg.

Hacken doubled their lead shortly after through Rygaard Jensen who turned home Kristoffer Hansen's low cross.

TNS pulled a goal back with Jordan Williams skipping down the left wing before crossing for Declan Mcmanus to head past goalkeeper Simon Sandberg.

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However hopes of a comeback were shortlived when Even Hovland headed home Samuel Gustafson’s left wing free-kick despite appeals of offside among the Welsh champions.

Action from TNS' clash at BK Hacken. Picture by Phil Blagg.

It could have got worse for the Saints before the break with Trpcevski heading against the woodwork before the break.

Roberts was the hero after the break with a fine double save to to deny Trpcevski.

The Saints defended in numbers throughout the second-half to keep the tie alive with the Swedes still dominant but unable to find a decsive fourth to kill the tie.

Roberts produced another fine save to deny Tebo Uchenna but Craig Harrison’s side have it all to do at Park Hall on Tuesday (July 18). 

BK Hacken: Abrahamsson; Fridriksson (Tomas Totland, 62), Sandberg (Franklin Tebo Uchenna (62), Hovland, Lund; Rygaard, Sam Gustafson, Gustafson, Sadiq (Ola Kamara, 82), Trpcevski (Amor Layouni, 71), Sana.

TNS: Connor Roberts; Danny Davies, Ryan Astles, Josh Pask, Chris Marriott (C); Josh Daniels, Danny Redmond, Dan Williams, Leo Smith, Jordan Williams (Rory Holden, 76), Declan McManus (Ryan Brobbel, 82)