Champions League: New Saints worked as a unit, says Phil Baker

Phil Baker (left) has won eight Welsh Premier League titles with New Saints

Defender Phil Baker says New Saints put in a team effort to hold Apoel Nicosia to a goalless draw in the Champions League.

The Welsh champions put in a solid defensive display to deny the Cypriot side an away goal at Park Hall.

Baker was man of the match but hailed the efforts of his team mates in the second qualifying round first leg.

"The lads worked hard together and worked as a unit," Baker told BBC Radio Shropshire.

Baker's appearance against Apoel Nicosia equalled Saints coach Scott Ruscoe's Welsh record of 30 games in Europe.

The 33-year-old, who joined Saints in 2005, will set a new record if he plays in the second leg in Cyprus on 19 July.

And the former Tranmere Rovers player says Craig Harrison's side face an even tougher test against the Cypriot champions.

"It will probably be the same again but a lot hotter out there," Baker added.

"The lads will have to work twice as hard in heat, be a bit more organised and not do as much running.

"It's what we play for all year because there's not much more we can do but try and get further on in the Champions League."