The New Saints grind out a 1-0 win in Tallinn after extra time
The New Saints needed every minute of 120 to see off Flora Tallinn and book their place in the next round of UEFA Conference League qualifying. A nervy performance saw them cling on for a narrow victory in Estonia, with Ryan Brobbel’s side now set for a clash with a higher-seeded opponent in the next round.
What happened in Estonia?
A tense second-round qualifier at A. Le Coq Arena saw Flora Tallinn take the lead through Ragnar Valdmets just before half-time. The hosts dominated much of the first half, but The New Saints defended resolutely and grew into the game. With the clock ticking past 90 minutes, the Welsh champions showed their tournament pedigree, grinding out a clean sheet and forcing extra time.
The breakthrough came in the 115th minute when substitute Ryan Sappinen turned provider, setting up Valdmets for his second goal of the night. That strike sealed a 1-0 win on the night and a 1-1 aggregate draw, with The New Saints advancing on away goals. The visitors soaked up late pressure to hold on for a famous victory, their fifth straight win in all competitions.
Why it matters for The New Saints
This result caps a remarkable run for The New Saints, who sit top of the Cymru Premier with a league standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Cymru Premier, 80 pts, 26W-2D-4L from 32 games, recent form WWWLW. Their goals this season read 81 scored and 25 conceded, a +56 goal difference that underlines their dominance at home and on the road.
The win extends their recent form to five straight victories, including a 1-0 success at Barry Town on 18 April 2026. That run has them 22 points clear of GAP Connah’s Quay FC at the summit, a gap few clubs could bridge in a 32-game season. Manager Chris O’Loughlin will be pleased with the resilience shown in Estonia, a side that has now conceded just once in their last five outings.
What comes next for The New Saints?
The next hurdle is a tougher test in the third qualifying round, where they face a side with more European pedigree. The identity of their opponent will be decided by Friday’s draws, but the priority is clear: keep the momentum rolling. The New Saints have already racked up 81 goals this season, and their attacking unit will need to fire again if they are to progress further in Europe.
Domestically, the focus shifts back to the Cymru Premier. With a 22-point cushion, the title race looks over, but European nights like this keep the squad sharp. The next league outing comes against a mid-table side, a chance to rest legs and keep the squad fresh for the European adventure ahead.
