By David Williams
Both The New Saints and Newtown face an uphill task to stay in Europe after defeats in the first legs of their Europa Conference League ties.
The New Saints were disappointed in losing 2-0 at Icelandic champions Vikingur Reykjavík, while Newtown were hammered 4-1 in Slovakia by Spartak Trnava.
It means both Welsh Premier clubs have it all to do in the second legs at home next week. The Saints endured a difficult first half in Iceland and Leo Smith’s foul on Ari Sigurpálsson resulted in a penalty which Kristall Máni Ingason converted.
Uchafbwyntiau Cyngres Europa Conference League Highlights
Víkingur Reykjavik 2-0 Y Seintiau Newydd @tnsfc 🇮🇸🏴
Cyngres Europa #UECL pic.twitter.com/8U48V2PE5a
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) July 21, 2022
Ingason then scored a second from the spot early in the second half after he was brought down by debutant Josh Pask, but the decision to award a penalty looked a soft one.
Saint manager Anthony Limbrick admitted he had questioned the dubious decision immediately after the game, but later said: “I don’t want to make any more comments about the referee. I’ve made my feelings known.
“The first penalty was a penalty, there was no doubt about that.
“We need to take stock of our performance and get ready for next week. I think we are still very much in this tie at 2-0.”
GOLIAU | Spartak Trnava 4-1 Y Drenewydd 🇸🇰🏴
Cyngres Europa #UECL pic.twitter.com/p0Xe5wC7Fv
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) July 21, 2022
In Slovakia, Bamidele Yusuf’s header gave the hosts Spartak a 17th minute lead but Henry Cowans levelled for Chris Hughes’ side six minutes later.
Two goals in three minutes at the end of the half saw Yusuf complete his hat-trick.
Alex Ivan sealed victory with his side’s fourth 15 minutes from time.