The New Saints fell to a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Rijeka in their latest UEFA Champions League qualifier in Croatia but interim manager Scott Ruscoe will have few complaints over his side’s performance.
Ruscoe’s side stumbled their way through past nine-men Europa FC of Gibralter in the first qualifying round but this was a far more professional and assured performance from the Welsh Premier League champions.
Rijeka led with just four minutes on the clock when Josip Misic crashed a centrally placed free-kick over the wall and into the net to the despair of Saints keeper Paul Harrison.
The New Saints settled after the goal however defending resolutely against the classy Croatians.
It took until the 69th minute for the hosts to extend their lead and they did so in style. Croatian international Stefan Ristovski delivered an exquisite inch perfect pass across the face of the goal into the path of Florin Matei, who applied the finish.
The Saints had their moments too however. Scott Quigley momentarily found himself through on through on goal but he couldn’t get a firm enough connection to push the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper.
Quigley then unleashed a powerful drive but only into the side netting as The New Saints hopes of snatching an away goal came to no avail.
Post-match interview and player ratings below:
Player Ratings:
Paul Harrison – 6
The WPL’s record appearance holder will be disappointed with the free-kick he conceded when he watches the replay back but he later made amends with some solid saves and dealt well with crosses on a busy night.
Simon Spender – 8 *STAR MAN*
Another TNS stalwart, helped keep a solid defensive line. Had courage to attack on the rare opportunities he was able get forward. Won lots of challenges, good in possession. Composed performance which the experienced full-back gave everything you could want.
Steven Saunders – 7
Busy night for the centre back as the Saints defence was bombarded. Looked nervy early on and conceded the foul outside the area which led to opening goal but turned in a very assured performance.
Connall Rawlinson – 7
Like his central defensive partner Saunders, Rawlinson never had a moments peace. Needed to be switched on and alert at all times when trying to play out from the back and when under Rijeka applied pressure. A committed display and greatly improved on first qualifying round performances.
Ryan Pryce – 6
Deputising for injured Chris Marriott, understandably struggled at times with threat of Croatian international Ristovski. Made life difficult for the winger however and played his part on what was a testing night in which the TNS back four should a great deal of resolve.
Jamie Mullan – 6
The pacey winger is better acclimated to playing around the opposition’s box rather than his own and was forced to play the majority of tonight’s game camped deep inside his own half protecting his full-back. Covered a lot of ground working with flank and didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities.
Aeron Edwards – 7
Would love to see distance counter to see how much ground Edwards covered. Always looking to chip in defensively and always looking to try and get the Saints moving forward. He’s been a consistent top performer for some time now and he needed to be at his best here.
Jon Routledge – 7
The ball was a hot potato at times for The New Saints, particularly in the first half, when Rijeka pressed hard. Underrated Routledge was the calming influence in possession and also savoured the midfield battle when without it. Along with Edwards, Routledge helped the side see the game through.
Ryan Brobbel – 7
Tucked in centrally for most of the game to solidify the midfield which you suspect is not ideally where Brobbel likes to play. He adapted well though, cool under pressure in midfield and always look to spark an offensive move via his quick feet and a neat interchange of passing.
Wes Fletcher – 6
Playing in a difficult wide role on the left and forced into more defensive role than what he is used to. Helped the midfield keep a solid shape with a dual role of trying to prevent Scott Quigley from becoming isolated. Replaced on 70′.
Scott Quigley – 7
After two eye-catching performances in the first qualifying round, Quigley did his reputation no harm against stronger opposition tonight. Whilst his first round performances were about bursts of pace and clever flicks, we got to see another side of his game tonight – niggly, not shy to put himself about and make a nuisance of himself in front of defenders. Had two half-chances tonight looked confident and sharp in his attempts for both. Could he have played the ball across to unmarked Mullan on the chance where he struck the side netting? I don’t think he had the time and was right to take the shot on.
Substitutes:
70′ Adrian Cieslewicz – 5
Came on in final 20 minutes with The New Saints already 2-0 down. Difficult for him to assert any influence on the game during this time.