TNS Fans Support the Tree of Light Appeal 2016

The New Saints of Oswestry Town Football Club (TNS) advanced into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League today when they faced Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia at home in the first leg.

TNS generously gave our Club the chance to get our Christmas Tree of Light 2016 charity fundraising campaign off to a flying start by allowing Rotary members and friends to carry out a bucket collection amongst the crowds at The Venue.

Last year the appeal raised around £6,000 in total which was given to charities such as the Hope House and Severn Hospices, Oswestry & District Stroke Club, Marches Riding for the Disabled Association, Transhouse Trust, the Lingen Davies Centre and the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Cafe Oswestry.

A successful evening all round saw the Rotary Tree of Light Appeal raise a terrific £446 to get the appeal off to a great start whilst TNS denied APOEL Nicosia a crucial away goal with a solid defensive display against a club who have reached the Champions League group stages three times.  The second leg will be held in Cyprus on Tuesday, 19 July.

New Saints director of football Craig Harrison told BBC Radio Shropshire: "I think that's the best team performance since I've been here.

"We want to win and I'm a big winner but sometimes it's not about the actual result, it's about the performance.

"Everyone did their job exactly how we prepared them to do."

Tree of Light Appeal Organiser Mike Jones was delighted with the £446 start to this year's appeal "We are very grateful to TNS and their fans for supporting this worthwhile appeal," he said, "Thanks to all the members and friends who helped collect."