TNS have 'two bites of cherry' in Euro history bid
New Saints boss Craig Harrison has also managed Hartlepool United, Connah's Quay and Bangor City
- Published
The New Saints manager Craig Harrison acknowledges his side are on the brink of creating history in Europe despite defeat by Ferencvaros.
Saints were knocked out of the Champions League 7-1 on aggregate by the Hungarian champions and now enter the Europa League third qualifying round.
Even if they lose to Moldova’s FC Petrocub, they will drop into the Europa Conference League play-offs and be just one tie away from reaching the group stages.
“It’s an opportunity to try and get ourselves to be the first Welsh club into a group stage of European football,” Harrison said.
“We’ve got two bites of the cherry – we’ve put ourselves in a really good position.”
Saints’ Champions League hopes had all but ended in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie, when they lost 5-0 to Ferencvaros in Budapest.
Saints will now face FC Petrocub, the Moldovan champions who exited the Champions League following defeat to APOEL of Cyprus.
“We’ll do our due diligence, give everything that we have and be prepared and ready to go out to Moldova next week,” Harrison added.
“We’ve had a look and I’ve watched their last three games. It’s far from an easy tie – it’s going to be very tough.
“Anyone that beats FC Sheriff to win the Moldovan league are going to be a very good team and they look a very good team in the three games I’ve seen of them."
Saints fell behind in Tuesday's second leg against Ferencvaros when Kristoffer Zachariassen put the visitors ahead.
Philippe Rommens’ penalty after Ash Baker's foul doubled Ferencvaros’ lead in the second half before Josh Daniels netted a consolation goal in stoppage time.
“We kept the ball really well, we looked composed in possession,” Harrison told BBC Radio Shropshire.
“We didn’t create as many opportunities as we’d have liked to but I don’t think they did to be honest.
“Looking back at the stats, I think they had three shots on goal and they’ve scored a dubious offside [goal].
“I can’t explain how angry I am because it’s offside. But I need to just swallow that and get on with it because I don’t want it to overshadow the actual performance of our boys. They’ve done TNS and Wales very, very proud.”