Europe FC v The New Saints (2-1)
UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, second leg
The New Saints must overturn a first leg deficit against Europa FC this evening to avoid a premature end to their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign (6.30).
Croatian champions Rijecka lie in wait for the winners in the second qualifying round but a marked improvement is required if the Saints are to progress.
The fixture is being played in Faro, Portugal after the pitch at the Gibraltar national stadium failed to meet UEFA standards.
The New Saints trail 2-1 heading into the return leg after a disappointing display at Park Hall last Tuesday.
Defensive lapses contributed to an uncharacteristically poor performance in which Scott Quigley’s superb solo goal was the only real positive.
Interim manager and former Saints player Scott Ruscoe believes his team can respond.
“I’m just disappointed because it’s not a true reflection of our play of last season and of all of the good work we’ve put in this pre-season,” said Ruscoe after last week’s defeat.
“I’m more disappointed than angry. I’ve told the players that they haven’t reached the same levels as they used to, but we’re still in the tie and we’ll work hard this week to put things right and give it a good go. Obviously it’s my first competitive game so you’d like to get off to a winning start, but there are positives from the game, and I know the players can improve.”
Chris Sergeant is ruled out after being involved in a minor car accident and Ryan Pryce is again expected to deputise at left-back for the injured Chris Marriott.
Scott Ruscoe could look to make changes from the first leg with Alex Darlington, Greg Draper and Blaine Hudson all vying to start.
Featured image courtesy of Brian Jones/TNS FC
