Europa Conference, first qualifying round, first leg

HB Torshavn 1 Newtown 0

NEWTOWN'S Europan adventure began with a battling display in the Faroes tonight.

Having battled the odds, including airport staff strikes on their way to the North Atlantic, the Robins were determined to keep the tie alive for next week's second leg in Oswestry.

Both sides tentatively probed the other early on with few moments to bring the fans to their feet.

The first chance arrived after seven minutes with Adrian Justinusson's 30 yard shot tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Dave Jones and it would not be the last time the Town stopper was in action.

While far from overwhelmed, the Robins found themselves under the cosh for much of the first-half.

A rare moment for the Robins saw Craig Williams' corner cause a few anxious moments in the home goalmouth after 17 minutes but it was a sparse opening for Town.

HB broke on 24 minutes with Paeter Peterson cutting inside from the right on the edge of the area but his low shot was palmed away by Jones and Town cleared their lines.

Stefan Radosavljević's powder puff cross shot from a tight angle on the left was gobbled up Jones 10 minutes later as Newtown continued to ensure the home side were left feeding off scraps.

Newtown had to defend in numbers near the end of the half.

Craig Williams saved the day with a challenge and clearance after Radosavljević found himself one on one with Jones while Jones punched clear two corners in the space of a minute as the Robins ended the half on even terms.

Newtown started the second-half brightly but had to be patient for their first opening which did not appear until the hour with Louis Robles racing onto a long ball only to drag wide from 12 yards.

Newtown trailed on 66 minutes with Wardum heading home on the near post after the Welsh side failed to clear Soylu's right wing corner.

In truth, it was no more than the home side's dominance warranted with Newtown unable to retain possession or build up any attacking movement.

Newtown introduced Fumpa Mwandwe in the hope of revitalising their attack but despite a bright start the former Shrewsbury Town youngster struggled to make an impact.

Newtown enjoyed some pressure but could not penetrate a stubborn home defence while Aki Samuelson curled wide as the hosts looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Newtown came close to snatching a last gasp leveller only for Zeli Ismael to scramble wide of the far post after the home side failed to clear Craig Williams' left wing corner.

However that was the last chance of the game as Newtown made the long trip home beaten but very much still in the tie.

HB: Gestsson, Sørensen, Askham, Wardum, Johansen, Hansen, Soylu, Justinusse, Petersen (Samuelsen 61), Radosavljević, Mohr Jonsson. Subs: Mørk, Chukwudi, Dalbud, Gutteson

NEWTOWN: Jones, Roberts, C Williams, Sutton, Sears, Robles, Walker, Rushton (Ismael 78), Hughes, M Jones (Cowans 78), A Williams (Mwandwe (70). Subs: M Williams, Taylor, Mills-Evans, Downs, Wharton, Guest, Heston.