Harrison rues lack of chances in Conference League loss

Craig Harrison is in his second spell in charge of The New Saints

The New Saints head coach Craig Harrison expressed his disappointment following a defeat that leaves their European hopes hanging in the balance.

Saints suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Differdange 03 in the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round first leg.

Harrison's side, who dropped down into the Conference League after their Champions League exit, must win the away leg in Luxembourg next Tuesday to remain in Europe this season.

"We're really disappointed and we've got to make sure that we're positive moving forward," Harrison told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"The performance was OK but it wasn't any better than that really.

"We controlled the game from a defensive third and a middle third and we didn't create as many chances as we would have liked in the final third."

The game's only goal came in the first half. Artur Arbeu made a run into the box and his strong finish beat Saints keeper Nathan Shepperd.

"It was a mistake by us," Harrison said.

"It wasn't great… we didn't cover ourselves in glory with that but it was probably the one and only time we've had a bit of a mix up at the back and it was disappointing.

"Apart from that I don't think they were too much of a threat and we contained them reasonably well."

Harrison also confirmed that the ankle injury suffered by full-back Harvey Godsmark-Ford early in the second half is a suspected fracture.