THE NEW SAINTS 4 KF SHKENDIJA 0 (KF SHKENDIJA WIN 5-4 ON AGG)
No team in the history of the UEFA Champions League has progressed from a 5-0 first leg deficit, but The New Saints will be wondering what might have been after almost staging a truly remarkable comeback against KF Shkendija.
Scott Ruscoe’s side were no match for their opponents last week and were soundly beaten 5-0 in Macedonia, but the Welsh side delivered a memorable performance to almost complete an epic turnaround.
A 3-0 half time lead put The New Saints firmly in the driving seat and after laying siege to the Shkendija goal.
Kurtis Byrne netted a fourth late on to put the Saints on the verge of forcing the game into extra-time.
Little did The Saints know of the drama that was about to unfold when Dean Ebbe’s effort went through the Shkendija goalkeeper to put the hosts in front on 15 minutes.
In contrast to their miserable first leg performance, The New Saints continued to grow into the game with Chris Marriot and Jon Routledge threatening the Shkendija goal.
Two goals in five minutes gave The New Saints a firm sense of belief. Daniel Redmond converted Jamie Mullen’s cross and Ben Cabango’s composed finish made it 3-0.
With the tie within reach, The New Saints continued to dominant with the Macedonian side on the back foot for much of the second period.
Greg Draper almost made an immediate impact shortly after coming on with his attempt forcing a Shkendija defender to head clear from underneath the crossbar.
Draper again came close to further reducing Shkendija’s aggregate lead. The New Zealander had the goal gaping as he slide in at the near post but couldn’t find the touch needed to make Redmond’s delivery count.
With Park Hall sensing Shkendija’s loosening grip on the tie, Routledge’s effort somehow stayed out after crashing against the inside the post and Aeron Edwards’ follow up was desperately scrambled clear by Shkendija as the Saints protested for handball.
The introduction of Adrian Cieslewicz breathed fresh life into the tiring Saints and after Hudson header caused panic in the Shkendija goalmouth, Jamie Mullan twisted and turned before flashing a shot across the face of goal with five minute remaining.
Deep into added time, Routledge saw another effort deflect off Draper resulting in another last ditch clearance before Byrne further reduced the deficit when he pounced on Marriot’s probing cross while Shkendija substitute Ibraimi struck against the bar.
Saints will now face Lincoln Red Imps in the Europa League second qualifying round next week.
The New Saints: Harrison; Lewis, Hudson, Cabango, Marriott; Edwards, Routledge, Holland (88′ Byrne); Mullan, Redmond (85′ Cieslewicz); Ebbe (56′ Draper)