Shropshire Star

Scott Ruscoe wants more from The New Saints following late Europa League win

TNS boss Scott Ruscoe believes his side must be better to progress in the Europa League despite a 2-1 first leg win over Lincoln Red Imps, writes Jonny Drury.

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Dean Ebbe gave the Saints an early lead at Park Hall last night against the Gibraltar side, before Joseph Chipolina nodded his side level before the break.

The Saints dominated throughout with goalkeeper Paul Harrison hardly troubled, before Blaine Hudson glanced home the winning goal 15 minutes from time.

Despite being happy with the home leg lead, Ruscoe wants to see more from his players next week.

He said: “I am always happy to win but not happy with the away goal. It should have been a bigger margin. We had good chances in the second half, and should have won. They had three chances and scored once. They were OK in possession but didn’t trouble us really.”

The Saints now head to the Gibraltar rock where they will face a tough test in a hot climate, and on a similar artificial surface.

But the Saints chief believes his side will score goals, and he is confident they can progress.

He added: “I am confident, as we always score goals, and I can see us getting away goals. We always create chances so we have a chance, but we have to defend set-plays better.

“We need to keep getting good results year on year to help ourselves and the Welsh Premier League.

“The job is half done, and we have to go again on Thursday.”