Shropshire Star

The New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe: First goal was key

Scott Ruscoe admitted HNK Rijeka’s opening goal proved a decisive moment as The New Saints bowed out of the Champions League on a disappointing night at Park Hall.

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Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Saints slumped 5-1 in the return to suffer an emphatic 7-1 aggregate loss in their second qualifying round tie.

Despite Rijeka’s possession, the Welsh Premier champions looked to be holding firm before being breached four minutes before half-time through Florentin Matei.

That goal left the Saints needing to score four times if they were to progress and, as they pushed to find a way back into the game in the second period, were ruthlessly exposed as sub Mario Gavranovic, Alexander Gorgon and Stefan Ristovski put the visitors out of sight.

Substitute Adrian Cieslewicz curled home a terrific reply for TNS to provide some cheer, but Rijeka were well on their way by that stage.

Swiss striker Gavranovic then completed the scoring with his second of the night when tapping into an empty net.

“The lads were fantastic for the first 42 minutes. We stuck to the game plan, and the lads did everything we asked of them,” said TNS’ interim boss Ruscoe.

“But that goal before half time took the wind out of sails, and it was really difficult after that.

“Credit to our boys for sticking at it for so long, but also credit to the opposition, and In the end their class showed.

“We could not have been any better prepared, but at this level you need to take your chances.

“Obviously, everyone’s really disappointed.

“It was a tough night, but we will reflect on what went wrong and make sure we come back strongly.”