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Members of The New Saints' backroom staff write the number 18 on the back of a spare shirt during the game against Shkendija Welsh champions The New Saints had to send a player into Tuesday's Champions League tie against Shkendija with his squad number written on the back of his shirt with a ballpoint pen. TNS inked their place in history last year when they made it to the group round of the Uefa Conference League - the first time a Welsh league side had reached that stage of a European competition. But the Saints made their mark in a different way in their first European tie of the new season as a blood spill left them scrambling for a spare shirt in their Champions League qualifier against Shkendija. In first-half added time of the first qualifying round first leg fixture at Park Hall, TNS staff were seen writing the number 18 on the back of a replacement shirt for midfielder Rory Holden. Holden's original jersey was left covered in blood following an incident earlier in the first half. And it has been confirmed referee Rob Hennessy informed the Saints that Holden - - whose goal helped the club to a Conference League group stage win over Astana last season - needed to leave the pitch to swap his shirt. With the spare jersey having no name or number on the rear, club staff had to write Holden's number on the back of the shirt so he could return to the field of play. The makeshift number was not needed for long, with the half-time whistle sounding soon after and Holden reappearing for the second half with the standard printed name and number. Holden was withdrawn in the 80th minute of the Shkendija game, which ended goalless. The return leg takes place in Skopje on Tuesday, 15 July (19: 00 BST) with a second qualifying round tie against FCSB of Romania or Andorra's Inter Club d'Escaldes awaiting the winners. Rory Holden joined The New Saints from Port Vale in 2023 Craig Harrison's Saints are bidding to reach the proper rounds of the competition for the first time in their history having progressed to the group stages of the Conference League last season. Speaking after the first leg draw with North Macedonia-based Shkendija, TNS boss Harrison said: "It was a pretty even game possession-wise but I think we created the better opportunities. In the first half we had three or four opportunities that we should have done better with. "In the second half we had a big chance and it's a good save by the goalkeeper to be fair, he's a big lad and he's got his whole frame out and kept it out. "Maybe a 1-0 win probably would have been deserved on opportunities. I'm happy with the clean sheet but a little bit disappointed that we couldn't score a goal. " TNS 'did everything but score' - Harrison 'Pressure' on TNS to repeat European feats - Smith New Saints held by Shkendija in Champions League Horner sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years Lions win again but Brumbies expose flaws Archer to play first Test in more than four years The captivating story of ELO's Jeff Lynne How John D Rockefeller became the world's first billionaire Wet Leg perform in the legendary Maida Vale studios Brexit: What’s it like trading with the EU nine years on? All 23 Britons are out of Wimbledon singles - what did we learn? 19 forwards and £600m later. .. is Joao Pedro the frontman Chelsea need? Sabalenka and Alcaraz top best shots from day nine at Wimbledon. Video Sabalenka and Alcaraz top best shots from day nine at Wimbledon In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Why don't we trust technology in sport? 'Racquet like a magic wand' - How Alcaraz saw off Norrie. Video'Racquet like a magic wand' - How Alcaraz saw off Norrie My photo by the toilet sums up my season - Open champion Schauffele Why was Piastri penalised but Russell wasn't? Germany come from behind to beat Denmark. Video Germany come from behind to beat Denmark 'This doesn't feel like a win' - Sinner through after Dimitrov retires hurt. Video'This doesn't feel like a win' - Sinner through after Dimitrov retires hurt Spain's Pina scores 'one of the goals of the tournament so far' Video Spain's Pina scores 'one of the goals of the tournament so far' Who should foot the bill for tennis players' pay rise? How 'monster' Silva, 40, is inspiring Fluminense The familiar issues frustrating England and their fans The 12 content creators vying to be BBC's new football expert Taylor v Serrano 3 – all you need to know England to bounce back? Brown-Finnis' Euro 2025 predictions - second group games Is Pochettino delivering hope - or panic - to US after Gold Cup loss? The downfall of Brescia & potential rebirth in Serie C Diogo Jota: A tribute. Video Diogo Jota: A tribute Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.