Manager Mike Davies insists The New Saints still have everything to play for as they attempt to retrieve their Champions League dreams next week.

The Welsh Premier champions suffered a narrow 1-0 first leg defeat at their Irish counterparts Bohemians last night, leaving next week’s return leg at Oswestry’s Park Hall finely balanced.

A headed goal from Killian Brennan on 66 minutes settled the second qualifying round tie in favour of the Bohs on a rain-drenched evening at Dublin’s Dalymount Park.

It means that the Saints will need to come from behind in the second leg, something they have failed to do in previous Euro missions.

But Davies could point to the fact that his side had their opportunities before the Irishmen – currently in mid-season – underlined their extra match fitness with a storming finish.

“It’s definitely all to play for, we’re pleased with certain aspects and disappointed with others,” said Davies after his first competitive game in charge.

“We rode our luck a bit towards the end and struggled with match fitness, but it was crucial that we didn’t concede a second goal so credit to the lads.

“We created some good chances and on another day could have scored, so we’ve got to be confident going into the next game.

“We’ve got to get a goal so just have to keep playing the way we play. I’m sure we’ll get chances – we just have to take them.”

The Saints had their opportunities last night through Matthew Berkeley, Chris Sharp and Craig Jones in the first half, but the Bohemians, the Irish champions, showed they will be no pushovers in the return leg.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER