A Declan McManus hat-trick put The New Saints in the driving seat in their Europa Conference League tie with Viktoria Plzeň, after a fantastic 4-2 win at the Cardiff City Stadium.
In a superb performance from the Saints, Blaine Hudson headed home the opening goal, before Declan McManus’ penalty doubled the lead.
The Saints continued their fine display in the second period, as McManus added a third from the spot, before securing his hat-trick with a superb finish into the bottom corner.
In the dying minutes, the visitors pulled two goals back through Jean-David Beaguel, who turned home from close range, and Adriel Ba Loua, curling home in added time.
Anthony Limbrick’s side now travel to the Doosan Arena looking to finish the job against a side that have featured in the UEFA Champions League group twice since 2013 and reached the Round of 32 in the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League.
Progression would see them likely see them reunite with CSKA Sofia, who defeated the Saints in the play-off round of the Europa League in 2010/11. The Bulgarian side holds a 4-2 lead over Croatian outfit NK Osijek in the first leg.
The first chance of the game fell to the Saints, as McManus was found free in the box to head at goal, forcing an early save out of Ales Hruška.
Viktoria Plzeň went close to an opening goal, with 20-year-old playmaker Pavel Šulc rattling the post from close range, after an initial fine save from Paul Harrison.
Despite the visitors’ early chance, the Saints looked very well-drilled in defence and looked to counter at every opportunity, with McManus tirelessly holding up play.
Limbrick’s side were rewarded and took the lead just after fifteen minutes.
Chris Marriott’s corner was cleared out to Leo Smith, who crossed excellently for Hudson to power a header home.
The New Saints continued to press with intensity and looked full of fitness, doubling their lead on the half-hour mark.
Marriott’s delivery from a free-kick saw Matej Hybš handle in the area, with Estonian referee Juri Frischer awarding the penalty.
McManus stepped up and hammered home to continue his excellent start since joining the Saints this summer.
The visitors responded to falling further behind and put Limbrick’s side under pressure with waves of the attack late in the half.
Šulc, who squandered a huge opportunity early in the contest, again went close, as he was found free in the box, but couldn’t turn the ball home.
A superb first-half showing saw the Saints head into the break with a two-goal lead.
There was no let-up from Limbrick’s side early in the second half, as The New Saints added to their lead.
Louis Robles found space behind on the right and was brought down in the area, allowing McManus to accurately finish from the spot for his second of the night.
The visitors looked to get themselves back into the contest ad went close to reducing the deficit through substitute Jhon Mosquera, who headed narrowly wide from a corner.
Michal Bílek’s side continued to push forward and called Harrison into action, who excellently tipped Jean-David Beauguel’s header over the woodwork.
Despite the visitors’ pressure, the Saints remained a threat on the break and further proved their quality with a fourth goal.
McManus cut inside from the left and curled a superb finish past Ales Hruška to secure a fine hat-trick and take his tally for his new club to six goals in just five appearances.
Viktoria Plzeň pushed forward in the latter stages and pulled a goal back two minutes from time as Jean-David Beauguel turned home from close range.
In added time, a corner fell to substitute Adriel Ba Loua on the edge of the area, who curled an effort home to further reduce the scoreline.
Despite the visitors reducing the deficit late on, the Saints head into the second-leg with a two-goal advantage after an outstanding performance.
The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Danny Davies, Keston Davies (Ash Baker 77’), Blaine Hudson, Chris Marriott (C), Leo Smith, Jon Routledge, Danny Redmond (Ben Clark 82’), Louis Robles, Declan McManus, Adrian Cieslewicz (Jordan Williams 71’)
Goals: Blaine Hudson 18’, Declan McManus pen 30’, 53’, 77’
Viktoria Plzeň: Ales Hruška, Radim Rezník, Lukas Hejda (C), Jakub Brabec, Matej Hybš, Modou N’Diaye, Miroslav Káčer, Pavel Bucha, Joel Kayamba (Adriel Ba Loua 65’), Pavel Šulc, Jean-David Beauguel
Goals: Jean-David Beauguel 88’, Adriel Ba Loua 90’
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