Europa League: The New Saints 3-1 MSK Zilina (aet)
- Published
Louis Robles joined TNS from rivals Bala Town ahead of the 2020-21 season
Leo Smith and Adrian Cieslewicz scored in extra time against MŠK Žilina to send The New Saints into the second round of Europa League qualifying at Park Hall.
Louis Robles rewarded the hosts' first-hour pressure with a headed flick from a corner after the break.
But Patrik Myslovic levelled from the penalty spot and the score remained level until the end of normal time.
Smith struck after 100 minutes and Cieslewick's penalty sealed the win.
Saints went into the encounter hoping to progress after last season's disappointment and having had to settle for second in the Cymru Premier and a Europa League spot after the 2019-20 season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 13-time Welsh champions have appeared in the Europa League qualifiers in the last two seasons, but only after exiting the Champions League qualifiers.
The Slovakian visitors ended the game with 10 men after Branislav Sluka was sent off in the dying minutes.
The New Saints and Welsh rivals Bala town, who beat Valletta 1-0, will have eyes on Monday's draw for the next stage, which will be played in mid-September.