LONDON: Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints beat Tre Penne of San Marino 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie on Tuesday.

Scott Quigley put the hosts in front on 13 minutes, when the English forward volleyed home a cross from defender Simon Spender.

The lead, however, did not last long as Tre Penne were level on 16 minutes through veteran Italian frontman Stefano Fraternali following a corner.

Quigley then turned provider, his pass finding Jamie Mullan who volleyed in from close range.

The second leg will be played in San Marino on July 5, with the winners set to meet APOEL of Cyprus in the next qualifying round.

Estonia champions Flora Tallinn defeated Lincoln Red Imps FC 2-1 thanks to goals either side of half-time from Rauno Alliku and Rauno Sappinen, with Joseph Chipolina providing hope for the Gibraltar champions with an away goal.

The winner after the second leg will face Celtic.

Federico Falcone scored to give Malta champions Valletta FC a 1-0 win over visiting B36 Torshavn from the Faroe Islands.

Andorra champions FC Santa Coloma were held to a goalless draw in their home leg by Armenia’s Alashkert.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2016