TNS seal historic European victory

Jubilant boss Mike Davies today hailed an historic European victory for The New Saints and insisted: "The players deserve all the credit."

The Oswestry-based Welsh Premier League outfit secured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Belfast side Cliftonville to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League last night.

Phil Baker's fourth minute effort secured a single goal victory on the night to give TNS their first ever away victory in European competition.

TNS now now face a two legged tie against Danish side FC Midtjylland, with the first leg at The Venue on Thursday.

And, after catching a 7am return flight from Belfast this morning, Davies was still basking in the afterglow of a famous night.

"We are over-joyed by the result," said Davies.

"To win an away game in Europe is always a a fantastic achievement and I think we deserved it.

"We defended well when we had to but we also had our chances to get a second.

"It was a fantastic effort and all credit to the players.

"We had a game plan and they stuck to it all the way through and we have now got a great two games against a very good Danish side to look forward to."

Before next Thursday's first leg encounter with Midtjylland, TNS play host to Shrewsbury in next Monday's Shropshire Senior Cup semi-final.

It will be the first time Davies' side have been allowed to enter the tournament and the chief insists his side will relish the challenge.

"Thursday has to be the main priority but this is a great opportunity to play against Shrewsbury and they don't come along very often," he added.