Europa League: Chris Hughes hails Newtown's history men

Newtown boss Chris Hughes was previously assistant manager at Prestatyn Town

Newtown manager Chris Hughes has hailed his side for earning a Europa League tie against Danish side FC Copenhagen.

The part-timers of the mid Wales club beat full-timers FC Valletta 4-2 over two legs.

"This team keeps making history. Last season we got to the [Welsh] Cup final for the first time in 118 years," said Hughes.

He believes they "deserve" to face the side who finished second in the 2014-15 Danish Superliga.

"The players deserve that - that's what you work so hard for," said Hughes.

Newtown players celebrate in Valletta

"I'm made up. They're a big, big name in European football with a fantastic history and tradition."

Hughes says his players "were excellent" in Malta and he was "so proud to call myself their manager".

They had beaten Valletta 2-1 in the first qualifying round first leg and repeated that score-line in the return match.

"It's unbelievable really. Everyone's looking at each other on the bus thinking 'what have we just done'," added Hughes.

"And it's a fantastic achievement for everyone.

"I'm so proud of the players, the staff - everyone who's contributed tonight.

"To win two games against full-time opposition and fully deserve it as well, over two legs we were the better team.

"It's an historic night for our club and our supporters who... paid out of their own pockets to support the boys - they were fantastic as well."