TNS player ratings v Djugardens as three 7/10s scored

TNS’ chances of progressing in the UEFA Conference League were dented as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Djurgardens at the New Meadow.

Norweigan under-21 international Tobias Gulliksen scored the only goal of the game four minutes before the half-time whistle. TNS remain outside the top 24 which currently has them eliminated at the league phase stage.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, the home team put in a strong performance which will give them confidence for their last two League Phase fixtures.

Craig Harrison set up his side with a defence-first mindset, and despite some late attacking substitutions, was unable to break down the superior quality of the away side.

The first half began as a very dull affair, with The New Saints camping behind the ball in a traditional 4-4-2, and Djurgardens IF struggled to carve out any chances as a result.

On the very rare occasion, TNS ventured forward, they ended the move worse off, with the away side hitting them on the counter and having their best chances as a result.

The tension from the away fans could be cut with a knife, a far cry from the loud and bouncing end that started the game.

The Swedish side managed to break the deadlock with just under five minutes to go in the half when recently booked right-back Adam Stahl produced a moment of individual brilliance when he flicked heel to heel to cut inside TNS left-back Danny Davies.

He squared the ball calmly to Norwegian maverick Tobias Gulliksen, who slotted into the right-hand corner from around ten yards out.

The second half began even more dull than the first half, and the away side maintained possession with no threat.

TNS manager Craig Harrison made a couple of attacking substitutes in the 70^th minute, and they played with more attacking intent, however gaps started to open at the back as a result.

Both sides created a few more openings, but none of note, and the game finished with Djurgarden taking the points back to Stockholm.

The result leaves TNS just outside the qualifying spots, with them in 29th place (24th and above qualify for knockout football), while the away team shoots up to ninth place, knocking on the door for an automatic route into the round of 16.

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Shrewsbury, England 28 November 2024. UEFA Conference League league phase match between The New Saints and Djurgardens — Shrewsbury, England 28 November 2024. UEFA Conference League league phase match between The New Saints and Djurgarden. (Image: Will Cheshire)

TNS player ratings

Connor Roberts (gk)- 6

Did not get tested much, but the goal was not his fault.

Ash Baker- 7

Came off after 70 minutes after defending for his life, most Djurgarden attacks were down the other side but was equal to everything and produced a few good tackles and blocks.

Josh Pask- 6

Dealt with the opposition striker well, but wasn’t tested too much, had a good game.

Harrison McGahey- 7

Had a slightly better game than Pask and was tested a bit more, but dealt with it confidently.

Danny Davies- 7

Was by far the busiest player on the pitch, and apart from being beat with a lovely bit of skill for the goal, was superb.

Danny Redmond- 6

Good game in the middle, but recieved a yellow card which knocks him down a bit.

Danny Williams- 7

Was everywhere on the pitch, some nice knocks on the ball as well as some splendid tackles.

Ben Clark- 6

Ran all night and had some good touches, but unfortunately did not manage to get into the game as much as he would have liked. Not a bad performance at all though.