The New Saints facing uphill battle after home defeat to Europa FC

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:43 am

Ryan Price and The New Saints were defeated at home on Tuesday.
Ryan Price and The New Saints were defeated at home on Tuesday.
Joe Giddens/PA Wire

The New Saints suffered a blow to their hopes of progress in the Champions League after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Gibraltar's Europa FC in the first qualifying round opening leg in Wales.

The visitors went ahead as early as the eighth minute as Alex Quillo became his club's first scorer in the competition on their Champions League debut.

Scott Quigley equalised for the Welsh Premier League champions just before half-time when he flicked the ball on before firing home a strong finish.

But with 12 minutes to go the hosts were dealt a blow as Europa reclaimed the lead through Enrique Gomez Bernal, who finished from close range following a fine run by Liam Walker.

Things could have got worse for TNS in the closing minutes as the visitors hit the bar and defeat leaves interim manager Scott Ruscoe's side facing an uphill battle in the second leg.