TNS humbled by BK Hacken as Champions League hopes hang by thread
Declan McManus of TNS scores his sides fourth goal. Penybont v The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier at Bryntirion Park on the 8th April 2023.
TNS are on the verge of elimination from the UEFA Champions League after BK Hacken claimed a 3-1 advantage in the first leg in Sweden.
BK Hacken’s early pressure paid off as they opened the scoring early on. Sadiq peeled away from Chris Marriott, and after Danny Davies blocked the first attempt, the Ghana Under-20 international scored on the rebound with a half-volley from a tight angle.
The hosts didn’t let up after breaking the deadlock and they nearly doubled their lead shortly after as Filip Trpcevski’s low shot was saved by Connor Roberts. Moments later goalscorer Sadiq nearly caught out Roberts with a powerful driven cross.
Hacken doubled their lead shortly after through Rygaard Jensen who scored with an instinctive finish. Kristoffer Hansen put a low cross in and it evaded every TNS player and Jensen was able to lace it home.
Pressure continued from Hacken and Trpcevski nearly got in on the act but his faint touch from Sadiq’s cross was saved by Roberts. In a rare opportunity for the visitors, Danny Redmond’s deflected shot from 15 yards was fumbled but gathered by Peter Abrahamsson.
TNS pulled one back after a good spell of pressure, and it was their talisman McManus who scored. Jordan Williams had the beating of Simon Sandberg and got in a position to cross to McManus who nodded home past the goalkeeper.
Hopes of a comeback were shortlived though, as for the first time, a Welsh domestic club had VAR used in their match, but it went against them. Even Hovland headed in from Samuel Gustafson’s free-kick, but TNS players appealed for an offside, though the on-field decision stayed as it is.
Sadiq was a thorn in the side of TNS and terrorised Marriott on the left flank. His cross after bringing Danny Davies in found Trpcevski for another chance, but the Macedonian forward’s header cannoned off the post and out.
In search of a second goal for himself and TNS, McManus went near to reducing the deficit. Redmond found McManus just outside the box and the Scot’s shot skimmed the crossbar.
Hacken continued to have a strong say on the game and nearly furthered their advantage, but for a double save from Roberts. Kristoffer Hansen’s cross was met by Trpcevski, but Roberts blocked it with his body, and then the follow-up was closed down.
In to the last ten minutes, Hacken continued to cause problems but didn’t have the fortunate they had in the first period. A ball was threaded through to Amor Layouni and he teed himself up for a volley that hit the side netting.
Connor Roberts was in inspired form to ensure that TNS only had a two-goal deficit going back to Oswestry. Tebo Uchenna was denied as he tried to scoop a shot home, and then TNS bodies got in the way.
TNS’ two-goal deficit was the second heaviest margin of defeat after Hamrun’s 4-0 loss to Maccabi Haifa. Craig Harrison’s side now have it all to do at Park Hall next Tuesday (July 18).
BK Hacken: Abrahamsson; Fridriksson (Tomas Totland, 62), Sandberg (Franklin Tebo Uchenna (62), Hovland, Lund; Rygaard, Sam Gustafson, Gustafson, Sadiq (Ola Kamara, 82), Trpcevski (Amor Layouni, 71), Sana.
Goals: Sadiq 7, Rygaard 13, Hovland 37’
TNS: Connor Roberts; Danny Davies, Ryan Astles, Josh Pask, Chris Marriott (C); Josh Daniels, Danny Redmond, Dan Williams, Leo Smith, Jordan Williams (Rory Holden, 76), Declan McManus (Ryan Brobbel, 82)
Goals: Declan McManus 32′
Yellow Cards: Leo Smith 35, Danny Redmond 84′
