TWO Former Dumbarton players were victorious on Tuesday night in a first round leg Champions League qualifying stage game.

Jon Routledge and Steven Saunders were in action for Welsh side The New Saints in their tie, winning 2-1 against San Marino side Tre Penne at Park Hall.

Scott Quigley had initially put the hosts in front after 13 minutes, however the San Marinese champions quickly replied through Italian striker Stefano Fraternali.

But Jamie Mullan had the last say as he volleyed in on the 40 minute mark from close range.

Routledge made his debut for the Saints in the match on Tuesday, while Saunders was an unused substitute.

Routledge, speaking on the TNS website said: “I felt we played well but it was difficult to break them down as they got all of their men behind the ball and frustrated us for large periods.

“We must take the positives out of the game and we are confident we can get a good result over there next week and progress into the next round.”

The two players both played for Dumbarton last year under Stevie Aitken, with Routledge playing 38 times for the Sons, and former Scotland international Saunders representing Dumbarton 27 times, scoring four goals in the campaign.

The winners of the tie will face Cyprian side APOEL Nicosia, who reached the Champions League quarter-finals back in 2012.

The return leg of the game is on Tuesday, July 5, kick-off is 7.30pm.