The New Saints fall to classy Croatians
The New Saints were forced to dig deep to keep alive their UEFA Champions League hopes after slipping to a 2-0 first leg defeat at Croatian high-fliers HNK Rijeka, writes John Bridgwater.
Goals in each half from Josip Misic and substitute Florentin Masei earned Rijeka a crucial two-goal advantage in the first leg of the second qualifying round to take into next Tuesday’s return at Park Hall.
The Welsh Premier champions face a big task against accomplished opponents who spurned several good openings, but they can take heart from a spirited display and some late chances for Scott Quigley.
For most part, it was a tough night in the rain for the Saints who made the worst possible start when going behind to a Misic free-kick after just four minutes following a Wes Fletcher foul outside the box.
Spurred on by a capacity crowd at their picturesque stadium overlooking the Adriatic sea, a pacy Rijeka continued to make the running on a stormy night.
TNS – fielding an unchanged team from their win over Gibraltar side FC Europa – were soaking up plenty of pressure as they battled to get a foothold in the game.
A lively Rijeka continued to probe but were unable to capitalise on their possession as TNS defended deep in their own half.
Marco Gavranovic had a shot deflected past the post by Ryan Pryce as the hosts again broke at speed, while the Switzerland striker was denied by a fine save from busy keeper Paul Harrison.
Daroi Zuparic headed over from a corner, while home captain Filip Barbaric had a couple of efforts on goal.
The second half at Stadion Rajika continued in similar vein, with a gritty TNS keeping the fluid Croatian champions at bay despite having limited opportunities to attack themselves.
Rijeka, who denied Dinamo Zagreb a 12th successive title last season, could have added a second five minutes after the break when Marko Vesovic put his shot just wide with the visitors at full stretch.
Home keeper Simon Sluga was a virtual spectator for much of the game, but Quigley – who has already scored three Champions League goals for TNS – gave the custodian something to think about when putting a rare effort wide.
The Saints seemed to be holding firm, but were caught on the counter-attack on 68 minutes as Rijeka broke at speed and substitute Matei slotted in at the back post.
After feeding on scraps for much off the game, Scott Ruscoe’s men had their best moments late on with Quigley having a couple of opportunities, while Vesovic spurned a golden chance to add a third for the hosts in the dying seconds.
