New Saints beat San Marino's Tre Penne in Champions League qualifying clash

Posted Wednesday, June 29, 2016 by PA

Welsh Premier League side The New Saints beat Tre Penne of San Marino 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie at Park Hall Stadium.

Scott Quigley put the hosts in front on 13 minutes, when the English forward volleyed home a cross from defender Simon Spender.

The lead, however, did not last long as Tre Penne were level on 16 minutes through veteran Italian frontman Stefano Fraternali following a corner.

Quigley shot over from close range before TNS went ahead again five minutes before half-time.

This time it was Quigley who was the provider, his pass finding Jamie Mullan who volleyed in from close range.

Quigley was denied a second goal just before the interval by a good save from Tre Penne goalkeeper Mattia Migani.

TNS continued to try to further press home their advantage in the second half, when Quigley and Mullan both went close before Aeron Edwards' effort was palmed away.

The second leg will be played in San Marino on July 5, with the winners set to meet Apoel Nicosia of Cyprus in the next qualifying round.