Cymru Premier champions The New Saints will face NIFL Premiership winners Linfield in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Anthony Limbrick’s men are due to be home first for their qualifier with their home ground of Park Hall suitable enough to host it at this stage of the competition.
TNS’ away leg is likely to be on Wednesday, July 13, as the Battle of Boyne celebrations, a Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland, takes place on July 12.
It is the second season in a row they have faced opposition from Northern Ireland after overcoming Glentoran in the Conference League last season.
Cymru Premier runners-up Bala Town have been drawn against Irish Premier Division side Sligo Rovers in this season’s Conference League.
Colin Caton’s team will be looking to win a European tie for just the second time in the club’s history. The only time the Lakesiders have won a tie was a one-legged 1-0 victory meeting against the Maltese side Valletta in the first qualifying round of the 2020/21 Europa League.
Meanwhile, Newtown will play HB Torshavn with the Robins also having one won European tie previously against Valletta, being victorious 4-2 on aggregate in the 2015/16 Europa League first qualifying round.
It is the first time in several years that Wales has only been represented by three teams after falling lowly in the coefficient rankings. Should any teams perform well in Europe it would come as a benefit as with there being only three clubs, there is scope for more coefficient points.
Tuesday 5th/6th July
The New Saints v Linfield
Thursday 7th July
Bala Town v Sligo Rovers – Park Hall
HB Torshavn v Newtown
Tuesday 12th July/Wednesday 13th July
Linfield v The New Saints
Thursday 14th July
Newtown v HB Torshavn – Park Hall
Sligo Rovers v Bala Town
Leave a Reply