The New Saints 1-0 Linfield: Welsh side claim Champions League qualifying round win

The New Saints claimed victory in their Champions League first qualifying round first leg against Linfield thanks to Ryan Brobbel’s second-half goal.

Matthew Clarke went close for David Healy’s Linfield in a hard-fought contest at Saints’ Park Hall home.

The Northern Irish side must look to turn the tie around in the second leg at Windsor Park on Wednesday, 13 July.

Saints, who were playing their first Champions League tie in three years, were the better side in the first half, with Brobbel firing wide from the edge of the area before he saw a free-kick saved by Linfield keeper Chris Johns.

Clarke’s header as cleared off the line by Danny Davies as Linfield threatened before the break.

Declan McManus shot over just after half-time before turning provider when he picked out Brobbel in the penalty area and the former Northern Ireland Under-21 international cut onto his right foot before beating Johns.

McManus fired over as TNS threatened to double their lead, but Linfield – who claimed a friendly win over World Cup hosts Qatar last month – pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages.

Jordan Stewart shot straight at Saints keeper Connor Roberts, who then did well to deny Stephen Fallon.