The New Saints leave it late to edge out Lincoln Red Imps in Europa League qualifier
Blaine Hudson’s late goal ensured The New Saints hold a slender advantage for next week’s Europa League return leg in Gibraltar after beating Lincoln Red Imps 2-1 at Park Hall.
On a stifling night, the Saints struggled to find top gear in an often frustrating second qualifying round tie, but eked out a crucial first-leg victory when defender Hudson headed in from close range seven minutes from time, writes John Bridgwater.
The Welsh Premier champions had enough chances to have secured a more handsome scoreline, but were thwarted by some poor finishing and spirited defending.
Even so, the Oswestry side will he hopeful of finishing the job on the Rock next Thursday as they look to continue to fly their flag in Europe.
After firing four goals in the Champions League the week before, the Saints failed to find that spark in energy sapping conditions.
Despite that, they went ahead after just six minutes when Jamie Mullan pulled the ball back from the right byline and Dean Ebbe volleyed in from close range for his second European goal.
Although they lacked any real fluency, the Saints still had their chances with Mullan heading straight at keeper Manuel Soler Ortuno, while Aeron Edwards drove a low shot across goal.
The Imps had plenty of the ball early on, looking neat and comfortable in possession. and were back on terms on the half-hour when left-back Joseph Chipolina stole in unmarked to head home a left wing free-kick.
Saints goalscorer Ebbe was forced off just before half-time, and his replacement Greg Draper almost found the net with his first touch when his lob was turned over the bar by Soler Ortuno.
The keeper then dived full length to keep out Edwards’ header as the home side ended the first half with some impetus.
Scott Ruscoe’s men emerged for the second period with increased vigour, but still struggled to find a way past stubborn visitors who continued to frustrate.
TNS had their chances though, and should have regained the lead 10 minutes after the break when Mullan volleyed over the bar at full stretch from Draper’s cross.
Danny Redmond spurned a golden opportunity on 70 minutes when his shot was cleared off the line after good work by Draper.
But the Imps – who famously defeated Celtic two years ago – almost took the lead themselves when substitute Ortiz Jimenez’s header from a Gamiz free-kick brought a smart save from Paul Harrison.
The visitors, however, were showing signs of tiring, and the Saints capitalised when Hudson headed home from close range after Edwards had nodded across goal.
It could have been three, but Draper volleyed wide when well placed moments later.
Teams
The New Saints: Harrison, Marriott, Lewis, Cabango, Hudson, Holland, Routledge, Redmond (Cieslewicz 88), Mullan, Edwards, Ebbe (Draper 40). Subs not used: Spender, Brobbel, Byrne, Nembjard, Roberts.
Lincoln Red Imps: Soler Ortuno, Chipolina (dos Santos 84), Garcia, Casciaro, Moreno Cerrillo, Hernandez, Vincueria (Ortiz Jimenez 64), Gamiz Maroto, Garro, Paris (Annesley 65), Montesinos Romero. Subs not used: Casciaro, Hankins, Corral Valero, Calderon Vallejo.
Referee: Thorvaldur Arnason (Iceland)
