New Saints out of Champions League after Linfield comeback

The New Saints were eliminated from the Champions League after they were defeated by Linfield 2-0 at Windsor Park after extra time.

Jamie Mulgrew’s 93rd-minute strike cancelled out Ryan Brobbel’s first-leg effort before Ethan Devine won it in the first additional period.

The Cymru Premier winners will now drop into the Europa Conference League where they will play Icelandic champions Víkingur Reykjavík. 

Linfield were relentless in how they approached the match from the kick-off. Both of their wingers Joel Cooper and Kirk Millar continuously whiped balls in for Connor Roberts to gather.

TNS could not move out of their own half and struggled to adapt to the considerable difference in the size of their home pitch and Linfield’s.

Roberts made a key save to keep the match scoreless as from a Stephen Fallon cross, Daniel Finlayson headed down low but was denied.

Cooper was making it difficult for the opposition back line to defend and he continued to make runs into the box but just as he sought a pocket of space, they would nab possession.

Towards the end of the first half, Saints were able to put pressure on and their best chance was a low-cut shot from Danny Davies that Chris Johns moved down low for.

Linfield still shaded the half however and before the 45 were up, Robbie McDaid headed at Roberts in another dangerous position.

Cooper after plenty of twists and turns had the final attempt of the half just outside of the box but Roberts wasn’t tested in the TNS goal.

There was a real chance for TNS to double their advantage when Declan McManus was found by Davies in a central position but his header was well saved by Johns.

Linfield controlled possession but were limited to taking shots from distance with Shields shot easily collected by Roberts.

Saints had a spell that saw them almost break the deadlock but after Ryan Brobbel squared to McManus, his goal-bound shot was blocked at the last moment.

Ten minutes from time, the Saints’ task of defending their first-leg lead was made harder when Danny Davies had to be substituted after making a cynical challenge, in his place was Josh Pask, who made his debut.

In the first of six additional minutes, Ethan Devine headed against the crossbar in the biggest worry for the visitors who had nine outfield players behind the ball.

The away side’s rearguard was eventually broken as from 25-yards out Jamie Mulgrew let fly to spark jubilant scenes two minutes from time.

In a change in mentality with the emphasis now on the attack, Saints had another chance to pull level but Keston Davies’ header glanced wide.

They were unable to create any other meaningful attacking opportunity and had to accept elimination despite being minutes away from progression.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)