Josh Lock savours 'forever' moment after scoring for boyhood club TNS in Europe

Josh Lock described scoring on his Champions League debut for boyhood club The New Saints as a moment he will never forget.

Lock capitalised on a defensive error to score a late consolation goal during the Saints’ defeat to Azerbaijan Premier League champions Sabah on Tuesday night.

Despite the 2-1 defeat on the night and a 4-1 aggregate loss in the first qualifying round, it was an unforgettable moment for the 22-year-old.

He said: “It doesn’t get much better, to be honest, does it? It was a disappointing result in the end, but on a personal note, scoring is a very proud moment.

“I guess you could say it’s a dream come true, yes.

“That will stay with me forever.”

Lock came through TNS’ academy before signing a professional contract in 2022. He made his senior debut later that year and has since gained valuable experience during loan spells with Denbigh Town, Newtown and, more recently, Caernarfon Town.

Saints boss Craig Harrison was delighted for the academy graduate, who he says is an example of the pathway the club are trying to create.

“Fantastic for Josh, and I am delighted for the club,” Harrison said.

“The important thing is Josh has come right through the system. It is a pivotal moment that he can come through the academy, through the scholarship, into the first team and get a goal.

“That conveyor belt is what we are trying to create at a lower level - trying to get as many homegrown players through the system as we can and hopefully into the first team.

“It is a great advocate for the scholarship system and our academy. There are probably four or five coaches who have worked with Josh throughout the system, and all of them deserve credit.”

TNS will now face Flora Tallinn in the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round, with the first leg taking place in Estonia next week.