Cymru Premier champions The New Saints couldn’t discover a breakthrough as a decent Champions League first qualifying first leg towards Shkendija of North Macedonia ended goalless.
There was little or no to decide on between the perimeters, who each had possibilities to interrupt the impasse at Park Corridor.
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TNS document signing Ben Wilson was denied a debut aim whereas Shkendija’s Vane Krstevski noticed an effort hooked off the road by Danny Redmond.
The return leg takes place in Skopje in per week’s time with a second qualifying spherical tie towards FCSB of Romania or Andorra’s Inter Membership d’Escaldes awaiting the winners.
Saints final season grew to become the primary membership from Wales’ home league to achieve the Europa Convention League group phases.
This was not the primary time these golf equipment had met, having confronted one another on the identical stage of the competitors in 2018.
On that event, after shedding the primary leg 5-0, Saints secured a 4-0 win within the house second leg however finally fell brief as they have been overwhelmed on mixture.
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Saints boss Craig Harrison acknowledged this was a chance for some revenge over the North Macedonian champions.
Harrison’s beginning workforce included three new faces – goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd, defender Dominic Corness and striker Wilson.
Wilson had the sport’s first likelihood, heading over from a cross by Rory Holden, who noticed a shot deflect extensive of the submit in what was a constructive begin by the hosts.
The edges have been evenly matched, with Fabrice Tamba’s shot from the sting of the field gathered by Shepperd earlier than Liridon Latifi blasted over the bar.
A robust run from Corness opened up the Shkendija defence earlier than the previous Liverpool participant discovered the advancing Jordan Williams within the space, however he fired over.
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Saints had a let-off when Latifi failed to attach with a harmful cross whereas Redmond made an important deal with to disclaim Fiton Ademi.
Saints misplaced key midfielder Leo Smith via harm and Ryan Brobbel had a shot saved by Baboucarr Gaye earlier than the break.
Shkendija gave Saints two early scares within the second interval, as Endrit Krasniqi’s curling effort was turned previous the submit by Sheppard earlier than Latifi flashed a header extensive from the ensuing nook.
It was an end-to-end opening to the half as Williams and Brobbel fired over, then Wilson discovered himself via on aim however his shot was smothered by Gaye, who additionally saved Corness’ long-range effort.
Substitute Vane Krstevski then chipped over Shepperd however as soon as once more Saints captain Redmond got here to his aspect’s rescue as he cleared off the road.
