Evans' away goal keeps tie alive
Thursday 02 July 2009
THE New Saints took the lead for the first-time ever in the away leg of a European tie, but it wasn't enough to secure victory against FRAM Reykjavik in the Icelandic National Stadium.
The hosts won 2-1 thanks to a 33rd-minute penalty from ex-Chelsea youth Sam Tillen and a goal just after half-time from Heidar Juliusson.
TNS dominated the opening quarter and should have taken the lead after just four minutes, but Matthew Berkeley spooned his shot over the bar from eight yards with only the keeper to beat.
The striker had the ball in the net three minutes later, but his header from a Craig Jones cross was ruled-out for a foul.
A FRAM corner caught TNS napping and a defensive headed clearance hit the near post before rebounding to safety.
But the Saints' domination was rewarded after 23 minutes when Steve Evans rose at the far post to convert a Scott Ruscoe left-wing cross, with the referee ruling that the ball had crossed the line.
The hosts were back on level terms after 36 minutes when Conall Murtagh fouled Sam Tillen, who converted the spot kick.
And the visitors were caught cold soon after the break when a Almar Ormarsson cross eluded Steve Evans and found Heidar Juliusson, who drilled his shot past Harrison from 12 yards.
The Icelanders were now looking the stronger side and Harrison was forced to save from Halldor Jonsson, who spurned a great chance to increase the lead when one-on-one, but his weak lob was turned away for a corner.
Harrison then saved with his legs from Hjamar Thorarinsson in another one-on-one and Saints rode out the last 10 minutes to keep the tie alive thanks to their away goal.
Attendance 592
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