The New Saints refuse to give up European dream

The New Saints are refusing to let go of their European dream without a fight, with manager Craig Harrison adamant his players still believe they can reach the Uefa Conference League knock-out stages.

Those hopes were dented after suffering a third defeat of the group campaign as Tobias Gulliksen earned Sweden’s Djurgaden victory in Shrewsbury on Thursday night.

It was a performance that again earned the Oswestry-based side credit for being able to compete with sides far above their standing.

Still, having lacked a punch in front of goal, it leaves the Welsh flagbearers outside the play-off round positions with two fixtures remaining – starting with Greek giants Panathinaikos on Thursday, 12 December.

Having already made history by becoming the first club from the Welsh system to reach the group stage of European competition, TNS are not content in simply taking praise.

“We don’t want to let this go,” said manager Harrison, whose side’s only points so far came from a home win over Astana.

“We’ve proved we deserve to be here. We’ve played some really strong teams and we are proving that we are not going to be anyone’s rollovers.

“It doesn’t give us any more points to come close, but it does give us more confidence, and it gives us an opportunity.”