Scott Ruscoe promises The New Saints will go on the attack
The New Saints are in upbeat mood as they look to finish the job against Lincoln Red Imps in this evening’s Europa League second qualifying round tie in Gibraltar (6pm).
The Welsh Premier champions arrived on the Rock with a handy 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
Boss Scott Ruscoe says his side won’t settle for protecting their lead, but promises a positive attitude at the Victoria Stadium as he looks to win the game as well as the tie.
“We’re not going over there thinking 2-1 is enough and that the tie is over, it’s far from over,” said Ruscoe.
“The job is only half done, We need to go again, and we won’t be sitting back. It’s a game we want to win and keep the momentum going, so we need to start on the front foot.
“We were a bit below par in the first leg, but still created a number of chances.
“We’re always looking to get goals, and I’m confident we’ll score.”
Ruscoe felt his side should be going into second leg with a more healthy advantage after spurning some golden opportunities at Park Hall.
“In the second half, it could have been three or four,” he added. “But you’ve got to be happy with a win, and sometimes you don’t play well but still get a good result.”
“We were disappointed to concede from a free kick as they did not really trouble us, and defending set pieces is something we have been working on.
“We were by far the better side, but were disappointed that we did not replicate the performance of the week before (in the 4-0 win against Macedonians KF Shkendija.).
“But no two games are the same. We’re in the Europa League, playing against teams who are used to winning their leagues, so you can’t always win by four or five.”
Striker Deen Ebbe faces a fitness check after being forced off with a twisted ankle just before half time of the first leg.
Should they prevail, the Welsh Premier champions will meet either Midtjylland (Denmark) or Astana (Kazakhstan) in the next round at the 33,000 seater Cardiff City Stadium.
With Park Hall not meeting UEFA’s stadium requirements and Wrexham unavailable, the Saints will be heading to the capital for next Thursday’s tie.
Meanwhile, KF Shkendija, who edged past Ruscoe’s men, secured their place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League with a 1-0 aggregate win against Moldova side Sheriff Tiraspol. They now take on Red Bull Salzburg next week.
*Due to their potential involvement in the Europa League, TNS’ opening day clash in the Welsh Premier with Barry Town United at Park Hall has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, August 12 (2.30).
