Historic Win For The New Saints In UEFA Conference League.
The New Saints (TNS) have made history as the first Welsh club within the domestic football pyramid to win in the group stage of a major European competition. The Cymru Premier champions celebrated a remarkable 2-0 victory over Kazakh side Astana at The Croud Meadow in Shrewsbury, marking a significant milestone for Welsh football.
The opening goal came in the 40th minute, courtesy of Rory Holden, whose header from a well-placed cross by Jordan Williams gave TNS the lead. This was the club’s first-ever goal in the UEFA Conference League group stage, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable night. Striker Declan McManus sealed the victory with a composed penalty in the 78th minute, awarded after a handball by Astana’s Islambek Kuat.
Astana, seven-time champions of the Kazakhstan Premier League, posed a considerable challenge early on. The visitors nearly took the lead just five minutes into the match when Ramazan Karimov’s shot struck the post. TNS goalkeeper Connor Roberts, who made an impressive eight saves in the club’s previous match against Fiorentina, was again in top form. His quick reactions kept out a powerful strike from Stanislav Basmanov, helping TNS survive an early onslaught.
Despite a challenging start, TNS gradually gained control. They almost scored against the run of play in the eighth minute, with McManus narrowly denied by Astana’s goalkeeper, Aleksandr Zarutskiy. As the half progressed, TNS’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat grew, culminating in Holden’s opening goal just before half-time.
The Saints had further opportunities to extend their lead before the break, with McManus volleying over the bar following a Ryan Brobbel corner. Tempers flared when TNS were denied a penalty appeal after Holden was brought down by Zarutskiy, though the referee waved play on.
Astana continued to press in the second half but were left frustrated, particularly when Ahanonu missed several close-range chances, including hitting the post. Roberts and the TNS defence held firm, with Roberts making crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet.
The decisive moment came with McManus’s penalty, confidently struck down the middle to secure three points. The win places TNS in a promising position in their Conference League group, where they will face Shamrock Rovers, Djurgarden, Panathinaikos, and Celje in their remaining fixtures.
Manager Craig Harrison praised his team’s resilience, noting that the win was not only a boost for TNS but a proud achievement for Welsh football. Though other Welsh clubs, such as Swansea City, have achieved European success, TNS’s win marks the first time a club from the Cymru Premier has triumphed in a group-stage match of a major European tournament.
For TNS, this victory is a testament to their growth and ambition on the European stage, as they continue to make their mark beyond Wales’ borders.
