Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints bounced back with a bang in the second leg as they overcame Gibraltar champions Europa FC 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.
After a 2-1 loss at home, Scott Quigley’s masterclass in front of goal spared the Welsh side’s first leg blushes as they ensured they progressed to the second round of Europe’s top tier competition, where they will face Croatian side Rijeka.
Craig Harrison’s departure to Hartlepool United, Mike Harris handed the interim reins to Scott Ruscoe and Steve Evans, and the duo have repaid the faith placed in them by meeting the minimum expectations thus far.
As is expected of a Welsh side qualifying for the Second Round, the majority of publicity was generally full of positive comments for the Welsh champions.
The interim coach and players were some of the first to shed light on their thoughts on the comeback victory.
What a result tonight! 2-1 down to then go away from home and play like that is unbelievable! Cmon the tins @tnsfc
— Steven Saunders (@Stevie_Saunders) July 4, 2017
What a feeling. @tnsfc players deserve massive credit. Couldn’t ask for more. Executed game plan brilliantly #proud #CL #picsaysitall pic.twitter.com/u7mYig46CU
— steven evans (@steveevo5) July 4, 2017
Many fans praised the Welsh champions for their victory too.
Congratulations @mikeharristns another great night for Welsh football, best of luck in the next round
— William Callaghan (@willcall1985) July 4, 2017
FT. Get in!!!! @tnsfc progress as they seal a victory over @EuropaFC_Gib 4-3 on aggregate. 3-1 on the night. Well done lads
— Football in Wales (@welshfootie) July 4, 2017
Great result mate
— Chris Llewellyn (@CLlewellyn19) July 4, 2017
But, finally their fellow clubs and a former player chipped in with some positivity for TNS and their success in Europe this evening.
Congratulations to all associated with @tnsfc on their fine win tonight. Flying the flag for Wales
— Caerau Ely FC (@CaerauElyFC) July 4, 2017
Great result for @tnsfc tonight, made up for @Ruscoe77 & @steveevo5, onwards and upwards now to Croatia next week
— Marc Lloyd Williams (@MarcJiws) July 4, 2017
However, not everyone looked at the game in the same light. Some opted to take an alternative view on the game, despite the positive result suggesting that the performance left a lot to be desired in the Second Round against Rijeka.
Don’t mean to be ridiculously negative, and may sound odd after a 3-1 win, but thought TNS were poor. Struggled to create against 9 men.
— Gareth Williams (@crwydropeldroed) July 4, 2017
Connah’s Quay Nomads owner Gary Dewhurst even had his own comments on the result and the impact of it for his own side.
“Quigs” – you played against a part time team with 9 men for 70 minutes…..reality check here…
It’s not exactly Rocky 4. @ScottQuigley1 https://t.co/OzrCrK5sNu— Gary Dewhurst (@gdgap) July 4, 2017
The New Saints will now have a week to prepare for their Champions League Qualifier away in Croatia next Tuesday.
(Featured Image: C Correa Photography)
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