Saints knocked out of Europe in Conference League loss

TNS' Jordan Williams in action in the first leg against Differdange

Welsh champions The New Saints are out of Europe following a 2-0 aggregate loss against Luxembourg's Differdange 03 in the Uefa Conference League.

Saints had lost 1-0 in the second qualifying round first leg at Park Hall a week earlier and knew only a win could keep their hopes alive.

But Samir Hadji's second half penalty sealed a 1-0 second leg win and a place in next round against Estonia's Levadia Tallinn.

Saints, who dropped down into the Conference League after their Champions League exit, created few opportunities.

Their early exit will be bitterly disappointing after they became the first Welsh domestic side to reach the group stage of a European competition last season.

Ryan Brobbel shot on the half volley from outside the area looked to be heading towards the top corner of the net but struck Theo Brusco and flew over the bar.

Jordan Marshall played a neat ball into the near post which went past Ken Charles, who started in place of Saints record signing Ben Wilson up front.

But Saints, like in the home leg, were still finding it hard to create gilt edged opportunities and a tight first half ended goalless.

Boris Mfoumou missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock for the hosts early in the second half while Harrison McGahey and Danny Redmond had to make crucial interventions.

Saints were now under an intense spell of pressure and Nathan Shepherd made a crucial save to deny Artur Arbeu.

From the follow up effort was adjudged to have struck Ben Clark's hand.

Hadji beat Shepherd from the resultant penalty to put the hosts 1-0 up on the night and extended their aggregate lead.

Saints came close with Charles heading wide late in the game but Saints inability to score over two legs cost them dear.