The New Saints 2-2 KF Feronikeli: Fazliu strikes late as penalty earns Kosovans draw

The New Saints let slip of a two-goal advantage as they drew with Feronikeli at Park Hall.

Second-half goals from Greg Draper and Kurtis Byrne gave Scott Ruscoe’s side the lead, however a late push from Mevlan Zeka and a late penalty from Astrit Fazliu earned the Kosovans a late draw.

Feronikeli now have an away goal advantage having scored twice in Oswestry. 

The Kosovan side are the lowest ranked side in the competition, having had to go through the preliminary round of qualifying in the Champions League.

Paul Harrison was the only goalkeeper to be tested in the first half. He was forced to tip over Arbër Potoku’s free-kick on the far side as the defender tried to catch him out.

Approaching half-time, Simon Spender made a crucial block as Kastriot Rexha lurked in the area, attempting to header past Harrison.

TNS tried to break the deadlock but Jon Routledge skied his effort over the bar.

Scott Ruscoe’s side had more of the ball but were failing to make any chances. Feronikeli looked the likelier of the two to score but chances were coming at a premium. 

The New Saints broke the deadlock from the penalty spot with the first chance of the half. Greg Draper was tripped by Lapidar Lladrovci after a low cross from Jamie Mullan. The WPL Golden Boot winner duly delivered as he thumped home his penalty past Jacek Deniz Troshupa. 

Ryan Harrington made his TNS debut after Chris Marriot was unable to continue after picking up an injury. 

Feronikeli found a spring in their step after conceding the goal. The New Saints were allowing them to come on them and weren’t looking to add to Drapers’ penalty.

There were worries just on the hour mark that Ryan Brobbel may have been sent off, but fortunately for him, he came away from a foul on Astrit Fazilu with only a caution.

Kurtis Byrne gave The New Saints some breathing space as he made an immediate impact off the bench to double the hosts. Daniel Redmond’s corner evaded Joash Nembhard but Byrne was able to slide the ball home for the second goal.

Feronikeli substitute Jetmir Topalli almost scored an important away goal for the Kosovar side, hitting the side netting.

Mevlan Zeka was given the freedom to burst into the box but Harrison denied the Feronikeli frontman with a crucial save with his body.

Zeka did have his goal late on though as he headed home with a powerful effort.

It got even better for Zekirija Ramadan’s side as they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the last few seconds of stoppage time.

Astrit Fazliu scored from the spot, sending Paul Harrison the wrong way, sparkling jubilant celebrations from the visitors.  

The New Saints: Harrison (C), Spender, Marriott (Harington 56), Davies, Routledge, Brobbel (Nembhard 65), Draper (Byrne 75), Redmond, Cieslewicz, Mullan, Edwards. 

Feronikeli: Deniz Troshupa, Dabiqaj, Lladrovci, Zeka, Fazilu (Thaqi 93), Carioca (Topalli 68), Potoku, Bojku (Malaj 70), Islami, Rexha, Prekazi